Chapter 168: Deep Mentor-Student Bonds

Fang Jifan dressed neatly and walked out.

When he reached the front gate, he saw that the main door of the Fang Family was already wide open.

Manager Yang had risen particularly early today.

These five scholars were all Young Lord’s disciples. It was unrealistic to expect the Young Lord to arrange matters for their Palace Examination, so writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones all had to be prepared. Once they entered the palace, the Emperor was unlikely to keep them for a meal, so some Steamed Cakes had to be prepared in case they got hungry.

In addition, people had to prepare warm water early in the morning. Since they were entering the palace, they needed to bathe at dawn. Even their Confucian Robes and scholars’ scarves had to be newly tailored. This was an audience with His Majesty, and no carelessness could be allowed.

Although most of the time, the so-called Palace Examination, or entering the palace for the exam, meant the Emperor set the questions, and the Emperor might not even appear, the current Emperor was different. Since Emperor Hongzhi ascended the throne, he had never missed several Palace Examinations. Each time, he sat in the hall, waiting until all the candidates had submitted their papers before leaving.

Therefore, their first impression on His Majesty was extremely important.

Of course, Sedan Chairs also had to be prepared. Before the fifth watch, the sedan bearers had to be woken up, fed well, allowed to refresh themselves, and then carry the Tribute Scholars into the palace.

The five Tribute Scholars stood in a row, everything ready, waiting only to bid farewell to their Mentor.

Manager Yang seemed a bit anxious. Although it was actually still early, he kept looking at the sky, afraid that the Young Lord would cause a delay.

Finally, seeing the Young Lord arrive, he immediately broke into a smile and went up to greet him: “Young Lord, the young masters are all waiting for you…”

“Understood.” Fang Jifan nodded and quickly walked up to the five: Tang Yin and the others.

Tang Yin and the other four looked deeply at Fang Jifan.

They had deep feelings for their Mentor.

Without their Mentor, Ouyang Zhi and the other two knew they might still be just lowly Xiucai, likely having failed the exam back then, returning to their hometown in Baoding Prefecture, obediently continuing to study hard, preparing for the next Provincial Examination.

And without their Mentor, Tang Yin and Xu Jing would probably not know whether they were dead or alive by now.

During these long days, they had been adjusting to Fang Jifan. At first, there were certainly many things they weren’t used to, but gradually, in their world, they had grown accustomed to having such a respectable and awe-inspiring elder.

All five knelt down together on the bluestone slabs in front of the gate, silently performing the rites to their teacher.

Now, wealth and honor were within reach. On such a morning, with an exam ahead after which the five would each have their own great futures, remembering all the past events, thinking of their Mentor’s usual teachings, and also their Mentor’s usual scoldings, a wave of emotion welled up in their hearts.

No matter how their Mentor treated them, whether he hit or scolded them, they firmly believed that their Mentor had their best interests at heart, that he would always think of them. Thus, inexplicably welling tears blurred their eyes.

Compared to their emotions, Fang Jifan looked at them with a smile and said, “Do well on the exam. After it’s over, I’ll treat you to chicken.”

“Mentor…” Tang Yin sobbed, choking up, “This student respectfully follows Mentor’s instructions.”

Fang Jifan nodded and looked at Jiang Chen: “Although you embarrassed me at the Metropolitan Examination, well… forget it, that’s all in the past.”

A pang of bitterness surged in Jiang Chen’s heart. Because of that misstep at the Metropolitan Examination, he had lost count of how many times he had been reminded of it. Gritting his teeth, he said, “This disciple will burn his boats. If I cannot strive to rise to the top, I will have no face to see my Mentor again.”

Fang Jifan waved his hand lightly: “Go.”

He hated this kind of scene the most.

Watching the five with their red eyes, it was as if they were heading to the execution ground.

Honestly, why were they so easily moved? It almost made him want to shed a few tears along with them.

But… he couldn’t cry.

If he cried, his persona would collapse.

So, it was better to avoid such touching scenes.

The five stood up, picked up their Examination Baskets, and saw that their Mentor had already turned his back, walked around the Fang Family’s spirit wall, and disappeared from sight. Each took a deep breath, got into their Sedan Chairs, and set off!

…

The time it takes for one incense stick to burn later.

A Sedan Chair from the Wang Family Residence slowly passed by the Fang Family.

The sedan curtain was lifted, revealing Wang Shouren’s face. Wang Shouren stared blankly at the Fang Family’s mansion, lost in thought. He suddenly said to the sedan bearers, “Stop here for a moment.”

The bearers halted, and the Sedan Chair was set down.

Wang Shouren got out of the Sedan Chair, looked at the Fang Family’s mansion, and wanted to take a few steps forward to inform the gatekeeper. But after taking just one step, his feet stopped again. After hesitating for a moment with his young yet mature face, he turned back, got into the Sedan Chair, and said, “Let’s go.”

The Sedan Chair lifted and swayed into the distance.

Wang Shouren sat inside the Sedan Chair and sighed softly. Then, his gaze cleared again, and a competitive spirit rose from the depths of his heart.

His competitive spirit did not come from the popular betting pools.

After all… he had little interest in gambling.

He was well aware of the rumors outside. The betting houses had already set odds on who would take first place in the Palace Examination. He was the hottest candidate, of course. Fang Jifan’s disciples also had considerable advantages, but many still placed their hopes on him, believing that coming from a prestigious family, his Policy Essay held a significant advantage.

Deep down, Wang Shouren somewhat looked down on Fang Jifan’s disciples. Although they were good at the Eight-Legged Essay, after prolonged contact with Ouyang Zhi and the other two, he always felt they were a step slow in speech and action. It felt awkward, like puppets on strings.

Xu Jing was someone whose mind was too restless, the type who knew how to stir things up, his thoughts all focused on currying favor. Such a person was not suited for scholarly pursuits.

Tang Yin… he heard was caught by Fang Jifan every day to paint.

Well, these people weren’t worth mentioning. This time, I must take first place.

Upon reaching the outside of the palace, everyone had to proceed on foot.

By now, the candidates had gathered, waiting for the Meridian Gate to open. Xu Jing stood with his senior fellow disciples. Seeing Wang Shouren, he waved and called out, “Brother Wang, Brother Wang, over here.”

Wang Shouren went over, and the five stood together.

Once the palace gate opened, the Tribute Scholars filed into the palace.

There were nearly three hundred Tribute Scholars in this session. The top three in the first rank, namely the Zhuangyuan, Bangyan, and Tanhua, were granted Metropolitan Graduate with Honors. Over a hundred in the Second Rank were granted Metropolitan Graduate. The Third Rank had the most people, granted Associate Metropolitan Graduate. This “Associate” character essentially meant “not the same.” “Associate Metropolitan Graduate” was truly awkward: it was like being ravenously hungry when someone served a fine meal, only to suddenly discover a green-headed fly stuck on the plate. For the sake of one’s stomach, one had to pick up the chopsticks; but once picking them up, one felt sickened. Therefore, anyone with even a little self-respect would regard “Associate Metropolitan Graduate” as an unspeakable embarrassment that couldn’t be washed away.

Of course, even being granted Associate Metropolitan Graduate was an unattainable existence for countless people.

Every Tribute Scholar now was eager and ready, none hoping to be granted ‘Associate’ Metropolitan Graduate, because what was at stake here was not just status, but also one’s future prospects.

Everyone filed through the passage of the Meridian Gate and, led by the Eunuchs, arrived at the Hall of Preserving Harmony.

In the Hall of Preserving Harmony, Emperor Hongzhi was already seated high above. In addition, the Hanlin Academicians stood in two rows on either side. Looking at the ‘younger generation’ filing in, they mostly recalled the glory of their own time answering policy questions in the hall, inevitably sighing with emotion.

Emperor Hongzhi remained silent. According to propriety, he should keep quiet at this time.

Shortly after, a Eunuch stepped forward to call the roll for the candidates. Then, the candidates performed their salutations and bows.

Some nervous Tribute Scholars, having reached the Hall of Preserving Harmony, were already trembling, heads bowed low, their minds blank even when performing the grand ceremony.

The performance of Ouyang Zhi and the other two, however, was particularly outstanding.

From beginning to end, their faces remained rigid, as if they had seen all kinds of storms and waves. After the grand ceremony, Emperor Hongzhi gazed at the candidates in the hall, smiled slightly, and said, “All rise.”

Only then did the crowd noisily stand up, many lowering their heads, faces pale.

Emperor Hongzhi suddenly smiled and asked, “Where is Ouyang Zhi, the Top Candidate of the Imperial Examination of this session?”

The reason he thought of Ouyang Zhi was because this Ouyang Zhi was truly legendary. It was said he was originally just a failed Xiucai from Baoding Prefecture, nothing remarkable. But after Fang Jifan’s tutelage, a country bumpkin instantly turned into a phoenix.

This couldn’t help but arouse Emperor Hongzhi’s curiosity.

What exactly was this person like?

Ouyang Zhi slowly stepped forward and bowed: “Your servant is here.”

His face showed no ripple of emotion, appearing honest and faithful. Even when speaking, though his tone carried a sense of weariness, before the throne he showed not a hint of trembling fear.

Compared to the other candidates’ unnatural complexions, he seemed much more ‘composed.’

Emperor Hongzhi nodded imperceptibly. This person indeed had quite a demeanor, showing a bit of unflappability in the face of danger.

Having experienced several Palace Examinations over the years, he had seen many such anxious and uneasy Tribute Scholars. If the Emperor called their name, their nervousness during the response became even more apparent, and the jokes that resulted were not few.

Ouyang Zhi’s performance indeed made Emperor Hongzhi nod secretly in approval. Good, very good.

Emperor Hongzhi smiled and said, “You are the Top Candidate of the Imperial Examination of this session. For the Palace Examination… do your best.”

Having received the Emperor’s encouragement, anyone else, at this moment, should be emotionally stirred, flushed with excitement, showing either agitation or discomposure.

But Ouyang Zhi actually remained even more composed. He bowed again. Though his reaction was a bit slow, he said calmly, “Your servant thanks His Majesty for his kind words.”

Good, truly good.

Haha… That Fang Jifan really had some skill.

Beaten into shape?

Emperor Hongzhi thought of the Crown Prince. That fellow was always bouncing around. If he could be as steady as Mount Tai, like this Ouyang Zhi, how good that would be. That would be more like it.

Emperor Hongzhi nodded and gave the Minister of Personnel, Wang Ao, a meaningful look. Wang Ao understood and said solemnly, “Distribute the papers, issue the policy questions!”

At his command, Eunuchs waiting outside the hall filed in, each holding papers, which they placed on the more than three hundred Desks in the Hall of Preserving Harmony.