Chapter 136: Probing
Chapter 136: Probing
The Jade Disc…
Fang Jifan felt it was strange. The Jade Disc was a precious item. How could someone just gift it so casually?
Fang Jifan was truly curious about who this person might be!
Fang Jifan then said, “Where is the Jade Disc?”
Xu Jing revealed a mysterious expression and glanced around before saying, “This disciple hid it privately. I will bring it to you, Mentor, at night, so no one sees it.”
Seeing Xu Jing’s behavior, Fang Jifan felt both annoyed and amused. “Why are you being so sneaky?”
Xu Jing replied seriously, “Because the visitor was none other than someone who called himself Cao Jian, claiming to be from the residence of Prince Ning. Mentor, think about it. Prince Ning is an Imperial Prince! He is a Feudatory Prince stationed far away in Jiangxi. Why would he, for no reason, come to befriend the Fang Family? This disciple found it strange and felt that if the Fang Family became too close to Prince Ning’s residence, it might attract criticism, especially since Grandmaster holds a position in the Five Chief Military Commissions… So, when I sensed something was off, I initially didn’t want to accept his gift. But he insisted on leaving it. Therefore, I made a quick decision: first, I accepted the item, then I warned the gatekeeper that this matter must not be spread. I didn’t dare breathe a word to anyone else in the household—not even Manager Yang. I was waiting for you to return, Mentor…”
Fang Jifan’s expression immediately turned serious. Just from hearing this, he knew something was wrong.
Speaking of this Prince Ning, Zhu Chenhao, in history, he was quite famous!
Why?
After Crown Prince Zhu Houzhao ascended the throne, he rebelled!
This man was ambitious and had always coveted The World. Historically, from the moment he assumed the title of prince, he had been preparing for rebellion.
Previously, Fang Jifan had always thought that he was too far removed from this rebellious Feudatory Prince. Besides, his rebellion was over a decade away, so naturally, he hadn’t paid much attention to this figure.
But who would have thought that this guy had already started making moves now, and… actually targeted the Fang Family.
However, upon careful reflection, it made sense. On one hand, his father was in the military. On the other, he himself had recently risen in status and was getting closer to the Crown Prince!
Could it be that Zhu Chenhao wanted to bribe both him and his father to serve his imperial ambitions?
A Feudatory Prince secretly contacting a noble in the Capital and gifting a pair of Jade Discs so generously—this in itself was indeed likely to cause unnecessary speculation!
Fang Jifan couldn’t help but look at Xu Jing with appreciation. Although Xu Jing’s scholarship wasn’t as good as Tang Yin’s, his mind was sharp. Good, very promising. His handling of the situation was quite appropriate.
After thinking for a moment, Fang Jifan said, “Bring me the note to take a look.”
Xu Jing took a note from his sleeve. Fang Jifan received it, opened it, and the first words that caught his eye were “Respected Elder Brother Fang.”
This “Elder Brother Fang” naturally referred to his father, Fang Jinglong.
What surprised Fang Jifan was that the person referring to his father as “brother” wasn’t that Cao Jian. The signature at the bottom read, “Respectfully, your younger brother, Zhu Chenhao.”
This Prince Ning could truly be called “courteous to the humble.” An Imperial Prince actually referred to himself as the “younger brother” of an Earl.
The content of the letter wasn’t particularly fresh—just words of admiration and the like.
Fang Jifan found it both laughable and exasperating. Prince Ning was quite a character. Was he using the same tactics as Liu Bei, who visited the thatched cottage three times to recruit talents?
This person… uh… what an idiot…
That was Fang Jifan’s first impression of Prince Ning.
But upon further thought, if this guy weren’t an idiot, why would he rebel in history?
Taking a step back, even when others rebelled, they knew to recruit capable people. But him? He only gathered a bunch of worthless scum. For example…
His disciple Tang Yin. According to historical events, after Tang Yin was implicated in the Imperial Examination scandal, he was sent back to his hometown. It was Prince Ning who took him under his wing. Just think—a rebellious Feudatory Prince actually recruited someone like Tang Yin, who couldn’t even fight off a chicken.
Ah… Fang Jifan shook his head inwardly. Forget it. After all, Tang Yin was his disciple and had once been half an idol to him. Better not to think ill of him.
Fang Jifan glanced at Xu Jing, carefully put away the letter, and then praised generously, “Little Xu, good, very good. You handled this matter beautifully.”
Among his five disciples, the one who surprised Fang Jifan the most was actually Xu Jing!
Xu Jing understood astronomy and geography, and most importantly, he had high emotional intelligence. Whatever he did, he left no loose ends. Previously, Ouyang Zhi and the other two had some issues with Tang Yin. It was understandable that they felt sour seeing their Mentor treat Tang Yin so well, and they inevitably excluded Tang Yin. But ever since Xu Jing became a disciple, he instantly got along with Ouyang Zhi, and they became very close.
Xu Jing was very modest. He quickly bowed and said sincerely, “Mentor’s kindness to this disciple is like being reborn. It is only natural for this disciple to work hard for Mentor.”
Fang Jifan smiled with relief. “From now on, if that man named Cao comes again, you are responsible for receiving him.”
Feeling that Xu Jing was capable enough to handle things independently, Fang Jifan felt at ease entrusting this matter to him.
As for the two Jade Discs that were gifted, when Xu Jing brought them to Fang Jifan’s bedroom at night, Fang Jifan was still startled. They were rare white jade, almost flawless, as big as a washbasin. No matter how you looked at them, they were priceless items.
That Prince Ning was truly generous. Even a mere meeting gift was so extraordinary.
From this alone, it was clear that this guy was going all out for his rebellion.
But then, Fang Jifan remembered something else. Since Prince Ning wanted to bribe the Fang Family, then… who else would he bribe?
Historically, Prince Ning did bribe many people, even those around Zhu Houzhao. As a result, Prince Ning amassed power in Nanchang, expanded his guard, and when rumors reached the imperial court and someone impeached him, it was eventually suppressed.
Right, there was Liu Jin. Historical records indeed noted that Prince Ning had once bribed Liu Jin.
But… had Prince Ning already bribed Liu Jin now?
Fang Jifan’s eyes sparkled mischievously. Why not… test it out…
Early the next morning, Fang Jifan hurried to the House of the Crown Prince. He accompanied Zhu Houzhao and obediently studied in the Minglun Hall of the Left Chunfang. After classes, he and Zhu Houzhao went to the Culture Hall and sat down.
Fang Jifan sat with his legs crossed. The weather was hot. As an Imperial Guard Battalion Commander, he had to wear such heavy boots. The boots were stiff and easily rubbed his feet, so he had to wrap them in thick Foot-Binding Cloth. After one class, Fang Jifan felt his feet were about to stink.
He was originally a bit hesitant, but then he saw Zhu Houzhao impatiently take off his boots and unwrap the Foot-Binding Cloth. Instantly, a smell like rotten salted fish filled the air.
Fang Jifan immediately coughed violently. Was this considered a biochemical weapon?
But he couldn’t worry about that now. He quickly took off his own boots as well.
Liu Jin approached bowing, served a cup of tea to Zhu Houzhao, and was about to retreat with a smile when Fang Jifan suddenly said, “Your Highness…”
“Your feet really stink,” Zhu Houzhao said, fanning under his nose with a look of disgust.
Fang Jifan glared at him, cursing inwardly. Shameless! No matter how bad mine smell, could they possibly stink more than yours?
“What is it? Did the fruits at Western Hills grow out?” Zhu Houzhao asked.
“No,” Fang Jifan shook his head and said with a smile, “It’s about something this subject remembered.”
Hearing there was something to discuss, Liu Jin, who was about to leave, immediately pricked up his ears, his whole body tensing up.
“Your Highness, do you know Prince Ning?” Fang Jifan asked with a grin.
“Prince Ning…” Zhu Houzhao curled his lip indifferently. “I’ve heard of him.”
His expression was completely cold.
Actually, Zhu Houzhao was quite careless. He looked down on his two uncles and felt like hitting the Zhang Brothers whenever he saw them. As for the other Imperial Clan uncles, there were very few he had a good impression of. Of course, this was understandable since there were quite a few scoundrels among those Imperial Relatives.
Fang Jifan continued, “This subject has heard that Prince Ning is known for his virtue and is renowned throughout The World. In Nanchang Prefecture, he loves the people like his own children. It’s quite admirable.”
Zhu Houzhao just rolled his eyes. “What does his loving his people have to do with This Palace?”
Well… this was a bit awkward…
A flash of surprise passed through Liu Jin’s eyes. He glanced at Fang Jifan unexpectedly, clearly not having anticipated that Fang Jifan would take this opportunity to praise Prince Ning.
Fang Jifan, however, smiled. “Your Highness, you shouldn’t say that. This subject dares to speak bluntly: among all the nobles and Feudatory Princes in the court, aside from my father who is dutiful and devoted to public service, only Prince Ning seems somewhat decent. Such a virtuous prince is hard to find even with a lantern. Most importantly, this subject has also heard that he is extremely loyal. When His Majesty’s health was poor, he was deeply worried.”
Zhu Houzhao let out an “Oh” and still looked like he couldn’t care less.
Fang Jifan narrowed his eyes and smiled again. “The most important thing is that Prince Ning holds Your Highness in high esteem as well.”
Liu Jin, with his back to Fang Jifan, rolled his eyes and pretended to dust the lantern in the corner with a feather duster.
Only then did Zhu Houzhao show a hint of interest, asking with some surprise, “What does he admire about This Palace?”
Fang Jifan pursed his lips. “Naturally, he admires Your Highness. It is said that he knows Your Highness loves famous steeds. He is searching all over Nanchang for them. He doesn’t dare offer just any ordinary horse. He believes that since Your Highness is the number one Crown Prince in history, only the finest horse in The World would be worthy of Your Highness’s majestic presence.”
“Hmm?” Zhu Houzhao narrowed his eyes and finally smiled. “This guy is quite thoughtful.”
On the other side, there was a sudden “Ouch!” It turned out Liu Jin, while cleaning, accidentally moved the lamp stand, and it fell, hitting him!
Liu Jin cried out in pain. Zhu Houzhao, annoyed by him, said displeased, “This Palace is discussing matters with Old Fang. What are you dawdling here for? Get lost!”
Fang Jifan simply watched Liu Jin with a smile, saying nothing.
As for this Prince Ning, Zhu Houzhao didn’t have much interest in him. After Liu Jin left, Fang Jifan looked around and lowered his voice. “Your Highness…”