Chapter 9

Fang Jifan was extremely excited, but seeing that Deng Jian was still there, he smiled and resumed his wastrel demeanor: "His Majesty's grace is vast, but... but..."

"But what?" The young eunuch spoke with a stern and righteous tone, showing no good face to Fang Jifan: "Heh heh, we naturally know that the young master of the Fang family would never go. I've also heard that two years ago, when your father, Lord Nanhe, had people carry you, you still refused to go. But let me make it clear, I am here by imperial decree. Even if I have to tie you up, I will take you."

He stared at Fang Jifan with eyes like a venomous snake, as if still not satisfied, and lowered his voice to continue: "Don't think that just because your family is a marquis, it means anything to me. Do you think that your father, relying on his sword and spear, and gaining the favor of His Majesty, can ensure your safety? Let me tell you, how His Majesty views you and your father depends on the people around him. Who is closest to His Majesty in this palace? Heh..."

Fang Jifan knew that this young eunuch was basking in his newfound power and wanted to show off his authority and threaten him, so he sighed: "If I don't go, you'll tie me up? Is there no reason in this world?"

"Then try it and see." The young eunuch squinted his eyes and glared at Fang Jifan with a look that said, "We have a grudge now, and we'll see what happens in the future." "Do you, surnamed Fang, even deserve to talk about reason with me?"

Fang Jifan, however, smiled, a glint of light flashing in his eyes. He then slowly walked to the willow wood table, where there were several teacups and a teapot. He picked up an empty teacup and played with it in his hands.

The young eunuch became impatient: "Young Master Fang, how long are you going to dawdle?"

Fang Jifan gave him a strange smile, and this wastrel suddenly appeared as a refined and elegant young master. The young eunuch thought it was an illusion and was momentarily confused. Indeed, the refined and elegant appearance vanished, replaced by a look of malice. He saw a cold light flash in Fang Jifan's eyes, and then the teacup in his hand flew straight at the young eunuch's forehead.

*Smash...*

The teacup hit the young eunuch's forehead with a fierce blow, and blood immediately flowed from his forehead. The young eunuch's mind buzzed, and he was completely stunned.

Crazy, crazy.

The young eunuch gritted his teeth and roared: "Surnamed Fang, you dare to assault... assault the imperial envoy? You have a lot of nerve... What are you trying to do? You..."

He clutched his forehead and howled in pain.

Fang Jifan, however, smiled at him, completely unconcerned, and took out a Xiangfei fan, slowly fanning himself. He then said, word by word: "I, Fang Jifan, don't believe you have the guts to tie me up!"

The young eunuch was completely stunned.

This was a blatant provocation.

His forehead was already swollen with a blood blister, and the pain made his face contort. Most importantly, Fang Jifan had dared to call him spineless again. The last time he called him "without balls," and now...

He roared: "I don't dare to tie you up? You say I don't dare to tie you up? If I don't dare, I'll write my name backward!"

He touched his forehead, wincing in pain. Fang Jifan's blow was indeed fierce, causing the teacup to shatter and shards to embed in his forehead. His hand, which he used to touch his forehead, was wet with blood. He screamed: "Someone, someone, tie him up, tie him up!"

Outside, the young eunuch's accompanying imperial guards, seeing the commotion, did not hesitate. They rushed in, took out ropes, and restrained Fang Jifan without a word.

The young eunuch was still not satisfied. He knew that if he reported this incident to the palace, it would be a complaint, but to His Majesty, while Fang Jifan would be guilty, he himself would be seen as incapable, and his future would be bleak.

So he couldn't report it to the palace; he could only tie up Fang Jifan. You, Fang Jifan, said I don't have the guts, well, I'll show you I do.

He took the rope and, while the two imperial guards were restraining Fang Jifan, tied him up tightly. Only then did he feel somewhat satisfied.

Fang Jifan, however, was compliant, allowing himself to be tied up. When the young eunuch had him bound tightly, Fang Jifan couldn't help but roll his eyes. Eunuchs are still eunuchs; tying a rope, you even make a bow.

The young eunuch, looking as if he had let out a breath, ordered the guards to take Fang Jifan to the headquarters of the imperial guards.

This so-called headquarters of the imperial guards, different from the five military headquarters, was said to oversee the twenty-six imperial guards, the elite of the elite. However, the headquarters was a mere formality, mainly responsible for coordinating the twenty-six guards and conducting inspections.

Today, many sons of meritorious families were present. These young men were all spirited and eager to show their abilities.

They were all noble descendants of the Ming Dynasty, raised in luxury from a young age. However, they all hoped to not only inherit their fathers' titles but also gain the favor of the palace and serve in the imperial court.

The chief examiner appointed by Emperor Hongzhi was the Duke of Britain, Zhang Mao. This elderly duke, looking at the hall full of young talents, felt a sense of satisfaction. Many of them were old acquaintances, and Zhang Mao had high hopes for them.

The number of young men being inspected was over five hundred, divided into six examination halls. He inspected each one, and when he reached the last hall, he paused, looking particularly refreshed and spirited, and said to the candidates: "You are all descendants of meritorious families, blessed by your ancestors. Today's inspection is to select the best among you. The best will follow in the footsteps of your fathers and grandfathers, serving in the imperial court and on the battlefield. Show your abilities and bring honor to your ancestors, and earn a golden belt."

Everyone responded: "Yes."

Zhang Mao laughed, the golden belt having a significant history. The inspection rules were established by the founding emperor. Initially called a horse inspection, the Duke of Britain, Zhang Mao, had, as a young man, been inspected by Emperor Chenghua in the Western Garden. Zhang Mao hit three consecutive arrows, and thus was granted a golden belt.

This golden belt was still tied around Zhang Mao's waist. Although he held the highest rank, having inherited the title of duke and been appointed as Grand Tutor, he could wear any belt without overstepping, but in his heart, the golden belt was the symbol of honor.

The young men of meritorious families looked greedily at the belt tied around Zhang Mao's waist, each one eager and ready to show their abilities.

Just as he was speaking, a commotion was heard from outside. Zhang Mao frowned slightly, and the surrounding imperial guards were also surprised. Seeing Zhang Mao's displeased expression, one of them quickly said: "I will go and check."

Zhang Mao, with a cold face, said: "No matter who is causing the commotion, today's inspection is a serious matter. Bring them here!"

Everyone saw that the Duke of Britain was angry and was trembling with fear. After a short while, they saw someone bound and brought in by two imperial guards.

Zhang Mao recognized the bound person and, before he could ask, the young eunuch stepped forward, respectfully saying: "Your Excellency, I am here by imperial decree to bring the son of Lord Nanhe, Fang Jifan, for the inspection. I am acting on the emperor's orders, please do not blame me."

Fang... Ji... Fan...

Fang Jifan felt the atmosphere in the examination hall change instantly.

The young men of meritorious families, who had initially been curious and moving closer to see the commotion, immediately retreated as if avoiding a plague when they heard the name Fang Jifan.

Then, someone burst into laughter.