Chapter 78: Overflowing Positive Energy

Uh… He really didn’t match the image of a talented and romantic scholar from later generations. How come he looked more like a greasy young man approaching his thirties?

Fang Jifan was clearly someone who judged by appearances. He suddenly felt that since the guy didn’t look handsome at all, he didn’t want to save him.

But… since he was already here.

Fang Jifan chuckled. “Are you Provincial First Place Scholar Tang?”

Tang Yin was startled, then stared at Fang Jifan closely.

Fang Jifan was still wearing his leopard-patterned uniform from returning off duty, clearly marking him as an Imperial Guard officer. He also had a sword at his waist, but the most eye-catching thing was his golden (bronze) belt. Tang Yin frowned slightly. “May I ask who you are, young master?”

Fang Jifan was straightforward. “Fang Jifan.”

Upon hearing the name “Fang Jifan,” a passing merchant froze for a moment, then rushed into the inn like a flash.

Tang Yin found the name somewhat familiar. It seemed that after arriving in the Capital, he had heard the inn’s manager and staff mention it. He tried hard to recall and suddenly remembered a certain person. His face immediately fell. “Oh, greetings, Young Lord Fang.”

His expression turned stern, as if dark clouds were gathering on his face, and he dared not show the slightest negligence.

Fang Jifan chuckled. Actually… he was long used to this. “I have admired you for a long time, Provincial First Place Scholar Tang. How about we step aside to talk? There are many things I wish to consult you about.”

Tang Yin hesitated briefly, then bowed to Fang Jifan. “Unfortunately, I have already invited a few friends for a drink. I appreciate your kind invitation and am reluctant to decline, but… perhaps another time.”

Fang Jifan…

Tang Yin was from out of town; how dare he provoke such a notoriously vicious and spoiled young master? Moreover, Fang Jifan was the Nanhe Bozi, someone he couldn’t afford to offend. So while refusing, he put on an extremely apologetic expression.

Furthermore, Tang Yin genuinely had a prior engagement. His fellow townsman Xu Jing had invited him to meet with the Right Vice Minister of Rites, Cheng Minzheng. Cheng Minzheng was also from Yingtian Prefecture. Now holding a high position, both Xu Jing and Tang Bohu were Scholars from Yingtian Prefecture, so it was proper for them to pay him a visit.

Of course, such visits were merely superficial.

In reality, this was a common unwritten rule of the time. Promising Provincial Graduates coming to the Capital for the Metropolitan Examination would often visit their fellow townsmen who were officials in the court. These officials, in turn, would show favor to these talented young men, as they were likely to pass the imperial examination and become officials themselves, potentially forming useful connections and factions. By offering help before the examination, the officials ensured future loyalty from these Scholars once they entered officialdom. As for the young Scholars, they could rely on the influence of these high-ranking officials to advance their careers smoothly.

Thus, for Tang Yin, this visit was especially important. As a Jieyuan, his chances of success were high. His purpose for arriving in the Capital early was precisely hoping that Xu Jing could introduce him to Cheng Minzheng. Once he passed the examination, he wouldn’t have to worry about his official career.

Hearing this, Fang Jifan frowned. “A drink? Are you going for a drink with that Xu Jing?”

Tang Yin immediately became wary. How did this person know?

His relationship with Xu Jing had always been good, which wasn’t a secret within the Jiangnan Scholar circles. But for this notorious Capital wastrel to know about it… well, that was worth being cautious about. It meant Fang Jifan had been paying attention to him, perhaps with ulterior motives.

Before Tang Yin could flatly deny it,

Fang Jifan continued, “Furthermore, you might even be planning to visit the Right Vice Minister of Rites, Cheng Minzheng.”

Regarding this later examination scandal, opinions varied, but most people firmly believed it was a baseless accusation. The key problem, however, was that Cheng Minzheng later became an examiner. Furthermore, Xu Jing took Tang Bohu to visit him, and on top of that, they presented gifts.

Based on this point alone, it became impossible to clarify matters.

Tang Yin’s face flushed bright red, as if he had been seen through instantly by Fang Jifan. He hurriedly said, “I… must take my leave…”

And with that, he prepared to leave hastily.

This visit was far too important. After all, it was a connection his good friend Xu Jing had worked hard to secure. Moreover, the Right Vice Minister of Rites held a third-rank position, which would be of immense help to his future prospects.

Tang Bohu was no longer the unrestrained, free-spirited talent of years past. After his father’s passing, his family fortunes had declined, and the burden of supporting his entire family now rested on his shoulders. This had made his temperament much steadier than before. In his heart, this matter concerned his future and the revival of his family’s estate; absolutely no mistakes could be allowed.

He started to walk away.

Fang Jifan felt quite awkward.

Indeed, those who do good deeds often meet bad ends. But seeing that Tang Bohu did not deny visiting Cheng Minzheng with Xu Jing, Fang Jifan grew anxious internally. Talk about perfect timing! If you, Tang Bohu, go to see that Cheng Minzheng today, by that time, even jumping into the Yellow River wouldn’t wash you clean.

No way!

I can’t let you go. Since this young lord has decided to be a good person, he might as well see it through to the end.

Fang Jifan said, “Wait!”

Tang Bohu was startled, his face turning pale. He feared the worst might happen. This wastrel suddenly seeking him out, knowing all his details clearly, surely had ulterior motives. With his family’s revival just within reach, how could he get entangled with such a person?

But he didn’t dare provoke Fang Jifan. After all, in this Capital, those who dared to cross Fang Jifan were truly rare. Especially for an out-of-town examinee like him. Tang Bohu hurriedly bowed to Fang Jifan and said with sincere emotion, “If I have been in any way presumptuous or abrupt, please forgive me, Young Lord. It’s just that I…”

“You are not allowed to leave!” This young lord asked you politely, but you refuse to cooperate. Since this young lord insists on doing a good deed and you won’t give face, Fang Jifan had no choice but to resort to his most skilled method.

This kind of tyrannical attitude immediately caused the numerous pairs of eyes peeking from the inn to show horror.

The passersby who originally wanted to stay and watch the excitement, upon hearing someone beside them whisper, “Didn’t you hear? He said his surname is Fang, from the Nanhe Bo Mansion…”

Consequently, the onlookers even forgot the traditional Chinese virtue of gathering to watch a spectacle. They all avoided him like the plague, vanishing in an instant.

Tang Bohu’s face was deathly pale, devoid of any color. Like a startled bird, he spoke meekly, trying to appease, “Young Lord… Next time…”

“This young lord said!” Fang Jifan shouted, “You are not allowed to leave, damn it! If you dare to leave, this young lord will break your dog legs!”

Hearing this, Deng Jian’s eyes suddenly lit up, shining brilliantly. He was overjoyed. Just moments ago, he had been muttering to himself about why the Young Lord was being so polite and refined. So the Young Lord was still the Young Lord; the Young Lord had never forgotten his roots. This was the Young Lord’s true nature!

Tang Bohu felt as if struck by lightning. He had never encountered such a domineering person. He couldn’t help but say, “Young Lord, why must you keep me here? What is the matter? I am merely a lowly student, a mere Scholar. Why are you being so aggressive?”

Fang Jifan revealed his trademark arrogant smile. “Because this young lord is happy.”

Of course, it was because he was happy. Did he really expect this young lord to tell him that he was a time traveler who knew about his impending disaster and came specifically to show him a way out? Damn it, such a fantastical thing—even I wouldn’t believe it if I said it out loud.