Chapter 176: Posting of Results

Chapter 176: Posting of Results

The hall instantly fell silent.

At this moment, Emperor Hongzhi was still full of energy, but he blurted out rather inappropriately, “What a good child.”

When he said the words “good child,” he suddenly felt a sour pang in his heart.

Now, he even felt a bit jealous of Fang Jinglong.

So, Emperor Hongzhi started to feel unhappy again. He suddenly gritted his teeth and said, “Tomorrow, have the Crown Prince come to the palace. I… haven’t seen him in a long time.”

According to research from another lifetime by a writer of noble character, diligent but not very famous, most children who suddenly get beaten might not have done anything wrong recently. Rather, it could simply be that another family’s child got into a good university, or another family’s child recently received a little red flower—just that simple.

Emperor Hongzhi took a deep breath, as if he could blow away his unhappiness with that exhale. Then his gaze returned to the policy essay on his desk, and gradually, he calmed down!

At this point, he wanted to carefully read the policy essays by Ouyang Zhi and the others. He looked up at Zhang Mao and the others, who seemed confused, and then said calmly, “You may withdraw now.”

The men glanced at each other, puzzlement in their eyes, and finally quietly withdrew.

…

The Imperial Examination Rank List was going to be posted a day early, under the anticipation of many people.

This was unexpected for everyone.

Waiting for the posting of results was always torture for countless candidates, and it was the same for Fang Jifan.

Fang Jifan got the news early and hastily set off with a few disciples.

Looking at the rank list felt like watching a ball game—very exciting.

Xu Jing limped along; he had really knelt for three days, and his legs felt almost useless. Luckily, Tang Yin and Liu Wenshan supported him on either side.

Although in front of Fang Jifan, Xu Jing looked as if he had lost his parents, outside Fang Jifan’s sight, his mood was actually not bad.

He still firmly believed that this time, he could outperform his senior brothers in the palace examination. After all, no matter what, his senior brothers’ policy essays were too dull and definitely wouldn’t catch the emperor’s interest.

His result of ranking over twentieth in the metropolitan examination had left him feeling disgraced. In Mentor’s circle, even the lowest-ranking one had been Jiang Chen. Although Xu Jing tried hard to show off with his rich social skills, the deep-seated inferiority inside him still made him feel he couldn’t hold his head up.

But today… was the day to regain his pride.

Everyone arrived at the Examination Hall in high spirits.

“Hello there.”

It was that familiar voice again.

Fang Jifan saw the Zhang Brothers.

For some reason, the Zhang Brothers always seemed so enthusiastic about the Great Ming’s education system.

When the brothers saw Fang Jifan, they warmly greeted him.

“Hello to you both,” Fang Jifan replied just as warmly to his two uncles.

Zhang Heling’s face was glowing, but that glow couldn’t quite hide his slightly sallow, thin appearance from malnutrition.

“Nephew, last time, we really had to thank you. You helped us vent our anger and made the Zhou Family, hehe…”

These two actually knew how to show gratitude.

Fang Jifan was quite impressed by them.

“A drop of kindness deserves a flood of repayment,” Zhang Heling continued with a smile.

Zhang Yanling grew anxious, constantly giving his elder brother meaningful looks.

“How about, if you have time, coming to our humble home for a bowl of porridge?” Zhang Heling kept smiling.

Zhang Yanling’s eyes turned red. He secretly pinched Zhang Heling’s back, trying to hint at something.

Zhang Heling, pinched and in pain, got angry. He turned and scolded Zhang Yanling, “You worthless thing! Always thinking about a bowl of porridge right in front of you! Are we, the Zhang Family, the kind to begrudge a bowl of porridge? Look at how much Nephew Fang has helped us! Don’t talk about one bowl of porridge—even a bowl and a half, I… I would willingly give! Didn’t Her Highness tell us? We must know gratitude and repay it! Do you even have any innate moral conscience?”

Zhang Yanling felt wronged, his face bitter, and didn’t dare utter a word after being scolded.

Fang Jifan was inwardly speechless. So these two came to thank him only because Empress Zhang forced them to.

He shook his head internally but said, “Forget it. I told you before, I don’t like porridge.”

“Ah.” A flicker of joy clearly appeared on Zhang Heling’s brow but quickly vanished, replaced by a look of regret. “In that case, what a pity. It hurts my heart that you don’t come visit more often.”

Heh… Fang Jifan gave him a dry laugh.

Fang Jifan saw that the place was packed with people. Although there weren’t many tribute scholars, there were plenty of busybodies who came to watch the excitement.

Fortunately, Fang Jifan was already well-known. The Fang brothers were considered quite famous under the rank list too. When people saw them, they all stepped back, creating an empty space in the crowded area.

Fang Jifan said with a smile, “So the two uncles have placed bets again?”

The moment Zhang Heling heard the word “bets,” he felt like dying. Actually, just seeing Fang Jifan made him think of that land in the Western Hills, and he felt the same despair. But he forced a smile and said, “No more betting, no more. We’ve quit. Gambling is bad. We’ve reformed.”

“Oh.”

“We…” Zhang Heling looked around and lowered his voice. “We’re here to catch a son-in-law under the rank list. My brother and I have a daughter who’s still unmarried. She’s as beautiful as a flower and has liked scholars since she was little. You know, we brothers really respect scholars. Scholars… um… have good kidneys, and they don’t eat much. Anyway, whoever does well today and isn’t married yet, we’ll tie up and take back to be our son-in-law.”

“…” Upon hearing this, Fang Jifan’s first reaction was to quickly step back, putting some distance between them.

Good grief, you should have said so earlier! If I’d known, I would have pretended not to know you. If you’re going to kidnap someone, don’t drag me into it! My reputation may be bad, but I’ve never kidnapped anyone!

“They’re here, they’re here!”

Someone cheered.

Fang Jifan looked up and indeed saw officials from the Ministry of Rites arriving.

But this time, it was the Imperial Examination Rank List being posted, which was more solemn than before. First, firecrackers were set off in the Examination Hall, and then a procession of officials in formal wear filed in.

At some point, Wang Shouren had come to stand beside Fang Jifan.

Fang Jifan glanced sideways at Wang Shouren and said in surprise, “What happened to your forehead? Who hit you?”

Wasn’t this guy supposed to be highly skilled in martial arts? Could there be someone even more powerful in his circle?

There was clearly a bruise on Wang Shouren’s forehead!

Wang Shouren wasn’t good at lying but tried to brush it off. He vaguely said, “I hope your esteemed disciples do not return in defeat.”

Fang Jifan pursed his lips, his face still wearing a smile, but inside he was cursing. He gave a dry laugh and said, “Likewise, likewise.”

They both smiled, each with a confident expression.

Amid the sound of firecrackers and under everyone’s eager anticipation, the Imperial Examination Rank List was finally put up.

In an instant, Fang Jifan’s expression froze. If he said he wasn’t nervous at all, that would be a lie. The announcement of the palace examination results would determine the ceiling for his five disciples. Whether they could become nobles or high officials in the future depended entirely on these results.

First place: Ouyang Zhi.

The moment he saw these words, Wang Shouren’s face changed slightly.

He clearly hadn’t anticipated this outcome at all.

Why was it Ouyang Zhi again!

Second place: Tang Yin.

It was actually Tang Yin—that Tang Yin who had talent but knew nothing about horse administration!

Wang Shouren’s heart… suddenly ached sharply.

This wasn’t the eight-legged essay exam; this was the policy essay, his most proud strength.

He had to keep reading down the list.

Third place: Jiang Chen.

It was Jiang Chen…

Wang Shouren suddenly felt as if everything was over.

He didn’t really care about his own future prospects. What he cared about was his pride. But now, his pride seemed to have been taken turns by Fang Jifan and his disciples to press it to the ground and rub it fiercely, until it bled.

Wang Shouren was an extremely strong person. Even when his father beat him severely, he never cried. But now, his eyes grew blurry, filled with tears.

He lifted his head and, with slightly blurred vision, continued reading down.

Fourth place: Liu Wenshan.

Countless shouts and cries were already ringing in his ears.

The others looking at the rank list had obviously also discovered that Fang Jifan and his disciples had come to dominate the rank list again, leaving no chance for anyone else.

What frustrated everyone the most was that there was no possibility of cheating in the palace examination rank list. In any other exam, someone might cry foul, but to cry foul about the palace examination was practically asking for death.

So, countless tribute scholars felt unwilling, jealous, and envious. They bit their lips, feeling humiliated.

And then, fifth place: Wang Shouren.

The only person they felt had salvaged some pride was Wang Shouren, who ranked fifth.

Even so, it was only second rank, second place.

It didn’t give anyone a sense of vindication; instead, it felt more like a stinging slap.

Wang Shouren stood still, motionless, just staring at the rank list.

He felt his heart… grow a little cold.

For him, this was the biggest blow of his life, without exception.

Fang Jifan’s eyes were already shining brightly. He patted Wang Shouren’s shoulder consolingly and said, “Actually, fifth place isn’t bad. The Wang Family Residence now has two metropolitan graduates. Although that’s a bit less impressive than my Fang Family’s one metropolitan graduate, it’s okay. Have more children in the future and make them study hard. Sooner or later, the Wang Family’s achievements can surpass mine.”

“…”

It would have been better if he hadn’t said anything. At least before Fang Jifan spoke, the tears were only welling up in Wang Shouren’s eyes. But with these words, Wang Shouren could no longer hold back his tears. They quickly streamed down from the corners of his eyes, carving tracks on his face.

Fang Jifan sighed. Young people these days just don’t know how to be content.

Hmm?

Seems like something was missed.

Ah, right—where was Xu Jing?

Fang Jifan focused and searched down the rank list.

Thirty-third.

Ranked thirty-third.

This time, it was Fang Jifan’s turn to feel upset.

Who could understand how he felt?

He had educated four dragons, but in this dragon’s den, there was still one worm hidden.

It hurt to look at.

Fang Jifan started grinding his teeth. A nameless rage surged within him.