Chapter 9: Tied Up Tight

Fang Jifan felt extremely excited inside. But seeing Deng Jian was still there, he grinned and put on his usual good-for-nothing act. “His Majesty is immensely gracious, only… only…”

“Only what?” The young eunuch spoke sternly, showing Fang Jifan not the slightest bit of kindness. “Heh heh, I naturally knew that the young master of the Fang Family would absolutely refuse to go. I also heard that two years ago, when your father Nanhe Bo had people carry you there, you refused to go no matter what. But let me make this clear—I am here by imperial decree. Even if I have to tie you up, I will drag you there.”

His gaze was like a venomous snake fixed on Fang Jifan. As if that weren’t enough, he lowered his voice and added, “Don’t think that just because your Fang Family holds the rank of Earl, it means anything in my eyes. You think just because your father won some favor from His Majesty with his weapons, everything is secure? Let me be honest with you—how His Majesty views you and your father depends on those close to him. And in the palace, who is closest to His Majesty? Heh…”

Fang Jifan understood that this young eunuch, newly empowered, was just trying to flaunt his authority and threaten him. He sighed and said, “You’ll tie me up if I refuse to go? Is there no reasoning with you?”

“Then you can try and see.” The young eunuch narrowed his eyes and glared viciously at Fang Jifan, as if to say, “We are enemies now, just you wait.” He spat, “You, a Fang, are worthy of reasoning with me?”

Fang Jifan, however, smiled. A glint flashed swiftly in his eyes, and then he slowly walked over to the willow-wood table. On it were several tea cups and a teapot. He picked up an empty tea cup and began to play with it in his hand.

The young eunuch grew impatient. “Young Master Fang, how much longer do you plan to dawdle?”

To his surprise, Fang Jifan gave him a strange smile. This good-for-nothing suddenly appeared to the young eunuch like a refined, gentle nobleman. The young eunuch thought it was an illusion and blinked in confusion. Sure enough, that gentle demeanor vanished without a trace, replaced by a face full of malice. The young eunuch saw a cold gleam shoot from Fang Jifan’s eyes, and immediately after, the tea cup flew out of his hand straight toward the young eunuch’s forehead.

Smack!

Fang Jifan had thrown the tea cup with all his might, hitting the young eunuch square on the forehead. The young eunuch let out a cry, and bright red blood immediately streamed down from his forehead. His head buzzed, and he stood there stunned.

Mad, he’s gone mad.

The young eunuch instantly gnashed his teeth and roared furiously, “Fang! You dare assault… assault an Imperial Envoy? You have such nerve… What are you trying to do? You…”

Clutching his forehead, he howled in pain.

But Fang Jifan just smiled at him, looking completely unconcerned. He took out his Xiangfei Bamboo Fan and began to fan himself leisurely. Then, word by word, he declared, “I, Fang Jifan, refuse to believe you have the guts to tie me up!”

The young eunuch was completely dumbfounded.

Provocation. This was blatant provocation.

A blister was already swelling on his forehead. The young eunuch’s face contorted with pain, and more than anything, Fang Jifan actually dared to say he had no guts. Last time, he had insulted him by saying he had no balls, and now this…

He roared furiously, “I don’t dare tie you up? You say I don’t dare tie you up? If I don’t dare tie you up, I’ll write my surname upside down!”

He touched his forehead, hissing in pain—this guy had really struck hard. The tea cup had shattered, and fragments of porcelain were embedded in the skin of his forehead. His hand came away wet and covered in blood. He let out a furious yell, “Guards, guards! Tie him up, tie him up!”

Outside were Imperial Guard soldiers the young eunuch had brought along for the task. Seeing the situation, they didn’t dare hesitate. They rushed in, and without a word, took ropes and subdued Fang Jifan.

Still unsatisfied, the young eunuch thought clearly: while he could certainly return to the palace and report this incident, as far as His Majesty was concerned, Fang Jifan would be at fault, but as for himself… if he couldn’t even handle such a small matter, his future prospects would likely be ruined.

So, he couldn’t go back to the palace to complain; he could only tie Fang Jifan up. You, Fang Jifan, said I had no guts? Well, I’ll show you I do.

He took the ropes and, while the two Imperial Guard soldiers held Fang Jifan down, tied him up tightly. Only then did he feel a bit of relief.

Fang Jifan, for his part, was quite docile and let himself be tied up. When the young eunuch had finished binding Fang Jifan thoroughly, Fang Jifan couldn’t help rolling his eyes. A eunuch is just a eunuch—even tying a knot, damn it, you make a bow.

The young eunuch seemed to have vented his anger. He ordered the guards to escort Fang Jifan to the Imperial Guard Military Governor’s Office.

This so-called Imperial Guard Military Governor’s Office was different from the Five Chief Military Commissions. It was said to have jurisdiction over twenty-six Imperial Guard units—the elite of the Forbidden Army. However, the Military Governor’s Office existed in name only, merely a hollow framework. Its main duty was simply to coordinate the twenty-six Imperial Guard units. Of course, it also oversaw the military reviews.

Today, many scions of merit had come. These young men were all spirited and eager, ready to show their worth.

They were all noble offspring of the Great Ming Dynasty, raised in luxury and comfort since childhood. Yet, as the saying goes, “like father, like son”—everyone hoped not only to inherit their fathers’ titles but also to earn the favor of the Imperial Palace and be assigned duties there.

The Hongzhi Emperor had appointed the Duke of Ying, Zhang Mao, as the chief examiner. This elderly Duke looked upon the hall full of promising young men and felt quite gratified. Many were old acquaintances, and Zhang Mao had high hopes for them.

There were over five hundred young men participating in the military review, divided into six examination halls. Zhang Mao inspected them one by one. When he reached the last hall, he stopped, dressed in his Python Robe, looking especially refreshed and dignified. He addressed the candidates, “You are all from noble families, beneficiaries of your ancestors’ merits. Today’s military review will rank you into various grades, aiming to select the most outstanding talents. Those who excel will follow in the footsteps of your fathers and grandfathers—joining campaigns and serving in the inner court. Show your true abilities, bring honor to your fathers and grandfathers, and earn the Golden Belt.”

Everyone responded in unison, “Yes.”

After speaking, Zhang Mao laughed heartily. The Golden Belt had its own story. The tradition of the military review began with Emperor Taizu. Initially called the “Cavalry Review,” the Duke of Ying, Zhang Mao himself, as a young man, had participated when the Chenghua Emperor held the review in the Western Park. Zhang Mao shot three arrows in a row, all hitting the mark, and was awarded the golden belt.

That Golden Belt was still fastened around Zhang Mao’s waist. Although he had reached the highest ranks—inheriting the Dukedom and being appointed Grand Preceptor—and could wear any belt without overstepping, in his heart, the Golden Belt represented the symbol of honor.

The young scions looked covetously at the belt fastened around Zhang Mao’s waist, each rubbing their hands and growing eager.

Just as this was happening, a commotion arose from outside. Zhang Mao frowned slightly. The Imperial Guard military officers nearby also looked bewildered. Seeing the displeasure on Zhang Mao’s face, someone quickly said, “This humble officer will go see what is happening.”

Zhang Mao said coldly, “No matter who is causing the disturbance, today’s military review is a serious matter. Bring them here!”

Everyone, seeing that the Duke of Ying was angry, grew fearful. Before long, they saw someone tied up tightly, being escorted in by two Imperial Guard soldiers.

Zhang Mao found the bound person’s face familiar. Before he could inquire, the young eunuch stepped forward and said respectfully, “Duke, Your Servant was carrying out His Majesty’s order to escort Fang Jifan, son of Nanhe Bo, to the military review. Your Servant is acting on imperial decree. Please do not blame me, Duke.”

Fang… Ji… fan…

Fang Jifan felt the atmosphere in the entire examination hall suddenly change.

The surrounding young nobles, initially curious, had shifted to get a better look at the commotion. But upon hearing the name “Fang Jifan,” they immediately backed away as if avoiding a plague.

Then, someone burst into loud laughter.