Chapter 10

When Zhang Mao heard Fang Jifan's name, his face darkened.

He would recognize this boy even if he were turned to ashes. Zhang Mao, a seasoned general who had fought in numerous battles, had once served under Fang Jifan's father, Fang Jinglong. They had fought side by side in the same trenches, a bond of life and death. It was well-known that Fang Jinglong had a wayward son who not only squandered the family's assets but also nearly drove Fang Jinglong to an early grave. When Fang Jinglong returned to the capital in triumph, he came to Zhang Mao's residence, but his demeanor was one of shame.

Zhang Mao looked at Fang Jifan, bound and tied, and thought about how everyone was vying for the chance to be examined. "You, on the other hand, are brought here bound. If it weren't for the emperor's specific command, you wouldn't have come, would you?"

What a disgrace, truly a disgrace!

If it weren't for the setting, Zhang Mao would have pounded his chest and lamented for Fang Jinglong. The Fang family had been loyal for generations, so how could they have produced such a good-for-nothing?

What was even more regrettable was that this boy had smooth skin and a handsome face. "Pah, he looks like a theater actor. In the mansions of dukes and marquises, which of the talented young men isn't tall and robust?"

"Are you Fang Jifan?"

Fang Jifan blushed, about to say something, but Zhang Mao pointed at him and said sternly, "Untie him."

Two of Zhang Mao's personal guards untied Fang Jifan. Just as Fang Jifan felt a bit more comfortable, Zhang Mao, with his white hair and beard, pointed at him and scolded, "Your father was a hero, but how could he have produced such a good-for-nothing? He was too lenient with you, but I will not let you off. You even sold your family's ancestral property, worse than a pig or a dog..." He raised his hand to strike.

Fang Jifan was stunned. Was it really necessary? He wanted to dodge, but several military officers, unable to bear it, quickly held Zhang Mao back. One of them said, "Your Excellency, today is the examination, you cannot do this."

Zhang Mao, his teeth grinding in anger, said furiously, "Fine, though I am in charge of the examination today, you, Fang Jifan, must also be examined. I will keep a close eye on you, to see if you, this good-for-nothing, will dare to misbehave. Bring paper and pens. Fang Jifan, sit there."

He pointed to an empty desk at the front, his face cold.

Fang Jifan was taken aback. Given the current situation, it was best to be cautious. This Duke of Ying seemed not to be someone to be trifled with.

He obediently sat at the front desk, and then a clerk brought him ink, paper, and a brush.

Zhang Mao, with his hands behind his back, said, "Move my chair over."

Fang Jifan blushed, but saw that Zhang Mao had already sat down in front of his desk, staring at him intently.

The other candidates, seeing this, secretly rejoiced.

Zhang Mao then said, "The examination of the Ming Dynasty initially involved archery and horsemanship, but since the reign of Emperor Wen, these alone cannot determine a hero. Therefore, Emperor Wen decreed that the examination should include policy essays, both to solicit advice for the court and to test your talents. The emperor has already set the question. Bring the question."

A clerk then held up a sign. Fang Jifan, feeling a chill down his back under Zhang Mao's gaze, read the question and immediately ignored Zhang Mao.

The sign read in gold lacquer: "How to Pacify the Southwest."

This question clearly asked how to solve the problems in the southwest. Since the early Ming Dynasty, the southwest provinces had been incorporated into the empire. To govern Guangxi and Yunnan, the court established many pacification states and pacification guards, and appointed local chieftains to manage the regions. However, since the reign of the founding emperor, the southwest had never been at peace. The local chieftains or natives often rebelled, and just last year, the "Fujiang Rebellion" broke out in Guangxi. The court had to go to great lengths to quell the rebellion, and Fang Jifan's father, Fang Jinglong, was ordered to suppress the rebellion in Guangxi. Although the rebellion was quelled, the Ming army suffered significant casualties and expended a vast amount of resources.

The southwestern tribes had become a thorn in the side of Emperor Hongzhi, and this examination question reflected that.

The candidates, upon seeing the question, all had a gleam in their eyes. These sons of the nobility had long heard about the rebellions in the southwest, and many of their fathers had experience in suppressing these rebellions. How to deal with these savages? This... wasn't difficult at all.

One by one, they picked up their pens and began to write enthusiastically.

Fang Jifan stared at the question, deep in thought. He knew this was a hard-won opportunity for the examination. If he could rank at the top, he would have a chance to redeem himself. But if he failed, he might be doomed to a life of decay.

Fang Jifan gathered his spirit and looked up, meeting Zhang Mao's gaze. Fang Jifan even gave him a friendly smile, but Zhang Mao's face grew even longer.

If anyone else had smiled like that, Zhang Mao might have thought the boy was respectful and considerate. But with Fang Jifan, he instinctively thought the boy was up to something.

With a scowl, he saw Fang Jifan lower his head and start writing quickly.

Hmm?

He... can actually write?

Can the Fang family's boy... write?

Fang Jifan was indeed writing. In his previous life, he had practiced calligraphy quite well and even joined a calligraphy interest group in school. Of course, he couldn't compare to the great calligraphers of this era, but it was enough to impress people in his current identity.

He focused, his wrist moving fluidly, and in one continuous motion, he wrote, thinking to himself, "If I am fortunate enough to win the golden belt, anyone who makes me, Fang Jifan, suffer, I will beat them to death with the golden belt."

Zhang Mao, sitting beside him, was both shocked and speechless. This boy... can actually write!

Perhaps... this boy isn't as bad as people say. Maybe it's just a case of exaggeration?

He was deep in thought when he realized that Fang Jifan had already finished writing. He was the fastest.

Having a big man staring at him made him extremely uncomfortable. Fang Jifan even thought Zhang Mao looked like an old pervert.

This is unbearable!

But... since I am a good-for-nothing, this image won't change anytime soon, so...

Fang Jifan said without hesitation, "I'm done!"

Done... done...

The room was stunned.

Many candidates looked up, surprised at Fang Jifan. Soon, they seemed to find it normal and secretly rejoiced. The Fang family's good-for-nothing is indeed a good-for-nothing. It's only been a short while, and he's already finished. Did he submit a blank paper?

Fang Jifan ignored their gazes. He just wanted to get away. The question was answered, and whether he would pass was up to fate.

Zhang Mao, furious, slammed his hand on Fang Jifan's desk and roared, "Fang Jifan... you... you... how dare you! Fine, fine, fine, collect his paper and seal it!"

He wanted to explode in anger, but then he thought, getting angry during the examination wouldn't make much sense. If the boy wants to ruin himself, let him.

Fang Jifan didn't linger, bowed to Zhang Mao, and said, "I'm leaving," then fled.

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