Chapter 164: I, Fang Jifan, Admire You
Chapter 164: I, Fang Jifan, Admire You
Actually, the Grand Empress Dowager was just acting on a whim. She never thought that Fang-shi was only a low-ranking fifth-grade Anren. Since she had married into the Duke of Wei’s Residence, she probably assumed she was already at the third or fourth grade. Thinking of Fang Jifan’s great merit, she felt giving her a second-grade title was no big deal.
However, promoting someone directly from the fifth grade to the second grade was almost unprecedented in the history of the dynasty.
Emperor Hongzhi’s gaze fell upon Fang-shi. She was in a corner, looking astonished and unable to believe what was happening. Based on her attire, she was clearly only a fifth-grade official.
Emperor Hongzhi immediately felt that this reward was excessive. Giving her a third-grade Shuren or fourth-grade title would already be a tremendous favor.
He was about to speak…
But he saw Fang Jifan already cheerfully and unceremoniously say, “Your Highness is wise! The entire Fang Family is deeply grateful. I thank Your Highness on behalf of my aunt for this grace.”
It was a done deal. She had already been declared wise, and thanks had been given…
Emperor Hongzhi felt a sudden tightness in his chest. He took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, finally calming down. “Forget it,” he thought, “let’s not dwell on it. It’s a festive day, and as long as the Grand Empress Dowager is happy, that’s what matters.”
The Mingfu in the hall all turned their eyes to the unremarkable Fang-shi. She was just a fifth-grade Anren, but in the blink of an eye, she had become a genuine second-grade lady. Wives often gained status through their husbands, and mothers through their sons, but this Fang-shi had risen to prominence entirely because of her nephew. Who wouldn’t envy her?
Fang-shi still wore a look of disbelief. The shock in her heart was unimaginable, and her body even trembled slightly. This… reward was simply too great, far beyond her expectations.
What stunned her even more was her nephew. That mischievous and unruly boy from before—how had he suddenly become so outstanding?
What a blessing for the family!
Thinking of the two daughters-in-law of the Duke of Wei’s Residence, the elder daughter-in-law was only third-grade, while the younger one had now become second-grade. Many people glanced meaningfully at Lady Mu.
Lady Mu’s feelings were even more complicated, and she felt utterly ashamed.
When it was time for the banquet, the men had to withdraw. So, in a side hall, Emperor Hongzhi set up a table himself, and the Crown Prince and Fang Jifan joined him.
Since the Grand Empress Dowager was happy today, Emperor Hongzhi was also in good spirits. He secretly observed Fang Jifan and couldn’t help but say, “Minister Fang.”
The Emperor was always like this—casually switching between “Jifan” and “Minister Fang.” It was likely another aspect of his imperial strategy.
“Your servant is here.”
Fang Jifan responded while looking at Zhu Houzhao sitting across from him, who appeared unusually well-behaved.
Fang Jifan couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. His acting skills had improved yet again.
At that moment, Emperor Hongzhi smiled and said, “I sometimes wonder if you really have a Brain Illness. Why is it that with such an illness, you still manage to stand out from the crowd?”
Fang Jifan’s mind went blank. Sure enough, His Majesty was beginning to suspect him. He replied, “It’s just that I haven’t had an episode. If one were to occur, it would be terrifying.”
Emperor Hongzhi stared at him intently and said, “Oh? How terrifying…”
“This…” Fang Jifan was stumped. He hesitated and said, “Once the illness strikes, I would become as well-behaved as the Crown Prince.”
“…” Zhu Houzhao glared at Fang Jifan, his gaze turning hostile.
“Old Fang, you’re setting me up!”
Actually, Fang Jifan just wanted to change the subject because he knew that whenever the Emperor mentioned the Crown Prince, his emotions would fluctuate greatly.
Emperor Hongzhi indeed snorted coldly. He looked at Fang Jifan, then at his own rebellious son. How could he not know how his son behaved in the House of the Crown Prince? Minister Yang and Minister Wang had complained about him numerous times. And now, the boy was pretending to be pitiful.
Look at Fang Jifan—he at least cared for his aunt and knew how to please others. But this rebellious son only knew how to fool around.
His face twitched, and a sharp glint flashed in his eyes. Fortunately, it was a day of celebration, so… he held back.
He took a deep breath and then spoke slowly, “Speaking of the Duke of Wei’s Residence, I’ve recently heard from the Duke of Wei, the Nanjing Garrison Commander, that there is a society in Nanjing called the Beggar Sect, which has gathered a crowd and is causing unrest…”
The Beggar Sect… a familiar name.
Causing unrest…
Hmm…
Fang Jifan thought to himself that in his previous life, many great authors had written legendary stories about the Beggar Sect. The characters in these stories were all patriotic, righteous, and selfless.
Fang Jifan never understood it. How could someone who had become a beggar, reduced to begging for food, still care about loyalty to the country or the ruler? It made no sense. Such an illogical setting felt like an insult to his intelligence. If someone was begging for food and couldn’t even fill their stomach, why wouldn’t they rebel? Why would they keep the Emperor around for the New Year?
Naturally, most people didn’t see any problem with the great authors’ settings. Great authors were great authors, always to be revered and admired. After admiring them, they would find a few web novels and pick on some lesser-known authors, stomping on them to gain a sense of superiority and elevate their own status.
Now, hearing that the Beggar Sect was causing unrest, Fang Jifan felt relieved. This was more like the Beggar Sect he envisioned. This was how people who couldn’t get enough to eat should behave. The beggars in Jiangnan had style!
Emperor Hongzhi continued calmly, “I recall that in the Duke of Wei’s memorial, he mentioned that he had ordered the Gold Mountain Guard Commander Xu Shiji to suppress them with troops. But it’s been over a month now, and there’s still no Victory Report. It seems even a mere society is too much for the prestigious Gold Mountain Guard to handle…”
After saying this, Emperor Hongzhi looked at Fang Jifan with a smile.
Fang Jifan suddenly realized—the Gold Mountain Guard Commander Xu Shiji was his uncle!
The Duke of Wei probably wanted his son to seize this opportunity to earn some merit. After all, it was just a society, and he likely thought it would be an easy victory. But who would have thought… over a month had passed without any news. This could only mean…
Fang Jifan’s face turned bright red with embarrassment. How shameful, how utterly shameful.
Emperor Hongzhi smiled slightly and said, “Your aunt has been granted a second-grade title, but he is only a third-grade Guard Commander. This doesn’t make sense, whether in terms of sentiment or logic. So… I will reward him as well.”
“…” Fang Jifan said with a look of shame, “Your Majesty, I never expected…”
“Never expected your uncle to be so incompetent?” Emperor Hongzhi chuckled and shook his head. “There must not be a next time.”
“Yes.”
Although these words carried a tone of reproach, Fang Jifan felt somewhat touched. Emperor Hongzhi had been quite good to him.
Zhu Houzhao, listening nearby, couldn’t help but grind his teeth. He felt nothing but contempt for Fang Jifan’s uncle. He thought to himself, “If I were in charge, a single Thousand-Household Office would be enough to suppress the Beggar Sect.”
Emperor Hongzhi ate a few bites of food and seemed to have lost his appetite. He then said, “Speaking of which, there’s still no news from Guizhou. Compared to a mere society in Jiangnan, the Mi Lu Rebellion in Yunnan-Guizhou is what truly worries me.”
Fang Jifan thought to himself, “It’ll take until the year after next to quell the rebellion. Just wait patiently.”
At that moment, Emperor Hongzhi gave Fang Jifan a meaningful look and said, “Minister Fang, I issued an Imperial Decree to Wang Shi two months ago, ordering him to establish a Mountain Brigade.”
Fang Jifan had heard about this, but the Emperor had been cunning. At the time, he had been vague in response to Fang Jifan’s suggestion but went ahead and handled the matter afterward.
That wasn’t very fair.
Fang Jifan pretended not to know and said, “So Your Majesty has already taken care of it. Your Majesty is wise, like Yao and Shun. I…”
As soon as Emperor Hongzhi heard him start to flatter, he felt uneasy. Waving his hand, he said, “What I mean is, it’s been over two months, and there’s still no Victory Report from Guizhou.”
Fang Jifan immediately felt embarrassed again.
No effect?
Well, it wasn’t his fault as the dubious strategist. Even if it were, it would be because the execution in Guizhou was poor and lacked finesse.
But the Emperor didn’t bother with reasoning. If he thought there was no effect at all, then it must be your problem.
Zhu Houzhao, unable to hold back any longer, said, “How about this, Imperial Father? Let your son and servant take command… and go to Guizhou for a visit.” He was truly dreaming of going to Guizhou, eager to fight on the battlefield.
Emperor Hongzhi glared fiercely at Zhu Houzhao, his eyes blazing with anger.
Zhu Houzhao shuddered, sensing that something bad was about to happen.
That day, Fang Jifan left the palace later than usual. The reason for the delay was rather bizarre—he spent the entire afternoon earnestly persuading the father not to beat the son. At first, he said, “Your Majesty, today is the Grand Empress Dowager’s birthday. We must not spoil her joy.”
Later, when it became clear that the situation was beyond repair, and the hall descended into chaos, with Emperor Hongzhi picking up a decorative axe, Fang Jifan grabbed hold of him and said, “Your Majesty, this could be fatal. Use a whip instead. A few lashes will be enough.”
Then he watched helplessly as Zhu Houzhao was beaten until his skin split open and he was hung from a beam. Honestly, his clothes were torn, and the muscles exposed were quite manly.
Emperor Hongzhi, naturally, was furious. He only had one son, who was supposed to Inherit the Throne and become the future Son of Heaven. How dare he rebel? All he ever thought about was leading troops abroad and neglecting his duties. If he didn’t hit him today, when would he? Hadn’t Fang Jifan been beaten into the talented person he was now?
By the time evening approached, Fang Jifan finally left the palace with lingering fear. The Meridian Gate was already deserted, and the noblewomen who had come to offer their blessings had long since departed. His mind replayed the scene of Zhu Houzhao hanging from the beam—first begging for mercy, then bravely shouting, “A true man fears no death.” Fang Jifan silently gave him a thumbs-up. “A true iron-blooded man. I, Fang Jifan, admire you.”
He rode his horse all the way home. Once there, thinking of his father, who had been distressed for days, Fang Jifan decided to tell him the good news first.
Who would have thought that as soon as he saw Fang Jinglong, before Fang Jifan could even speak, his father exploded.
“Second-grade title…” Fang Jinglong’s eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at Fang Jifan.
In his hand was a letter he had clearly been reading.
It was from his cousin. Since she had just returned from the Grand Empress Dowager’s birthday celebration and couldn’t visit the Fang Family, she had written a letter to share the good news. She also expressed more interest in Fang Jifan, subtly conveying her gratitude.