Lin Qiaoqiao was very curious about Zhang Fang, but felt that her father allowing her, a sheltered young lady, to meet an outside man was a breach of decorum, so she refused.
Lin Zheng did not expect that this legitimate daughter would defy him, and in his anger, he stormed to the backyard to threaten her. Feeling upset, Lin Qiaoqiao finally reluctantly groomed herself and prepared to meet a guest.
The food and wine were already prepared, and Zhang Fang followed the Lin family servant into the main hall. Upon seeing Lin Zheng entertaining him with his two daughters, it was clear what the other party was thinking.
“Zhang is truly sorry for not being able to visit properly due to travel fatigue, and hopes the county magistrate will be understanding!” Zhang Fang maintained the same humble demeanor as before.
Seeing that he had not become arrogant, Lin Zheng grew more spirited and couldn’t help but assess Zhang Fang while still not allowing him to take a seat. Instead, he asked, “I heard you’ve done quite well in the provincial exams! Surely, you will also achieve success in the upcoming imperial examination in August.”
Zhang Fang simply replied, “Do my best and leave the rest to fate!”
Lin Zheng found it amusing and directly pressed Zhang Fang, “You really made quite a name for yourself in the prefecture, I hear your books have sold for a high price of five hundred taels of silver but are still being snatched up. With all that silver you’ve earned, haven’t you thought about using it to build connections and befriend Xu Zhizhou?”
Zhang Fang displayed a look of surprise, humbly inquiring, “What does it mean to build connections?”
Upon broaching this topic, Lin Zheng suddenly changed the subject, urging Zhang Fang to sit down. Then he diverted the conversation to Lin Yue Rong and Lin Qiaoqiao, introducing them to Zhang Fang.
“Men should marry and women should wed. What do you think of my two daughters?”
Lin Zheng practically implied to Zhang Fang, ‘If you marry my daughter and become my son-in-law, I’ll tell you how to forge connections.’
Zhang Fang’s eyes were particularly polite, as he did not glance at the two sisters even once. Even after Lin Zheng’s suggestions, he still did not look their way.
Rising to his feet, Zhang Fang apologetically responded to Lin Zheng, “Even though I have not looked at the young ladies, I am sure they are both beautiful. I am now a student of Xu Zhizhou, who advised me to focus entirely on my studies and not be distracted by matters of love. A good man should first establish a career before considering marriage.”
Lin Zheng felt a deep frustration. His potential son-in-law was now being snatched away after just a short while in the prefecture! Xu Chang’s words clearly indicated that he was monopolizing Zhang Fang as a son-in-law, warning others to stay clear of him! Though his heart simmered with anger, Lin Zheng could not afford to offend Xu Chang.
With a gloomy expression, Lin Zheng stared straight at Zhang Fang, remaining silent for a long time.
Zhang Fang did not care about Lin Zheng’s displeased demeanor, continuing, “Having been away from home for many days, my parents must be very worried about me. I will not disturb the county magistrate’s family’s reunion and shall return home first.”
Lin Zheng initially thought Zhang Fang would be easy to handle, but it seemed he had already secured himself under Xu Chang’s protection, standing tall and confident now!
With a forced smile, Lin Zheng coldly remarked, “What a pity for such a feast; it will have to go to waste!”
Zhang Fang glanced at the table full of dishes, calmly bid farewell to Lin Zheng, and turned to leave.
Lin Yue Rong pursed her lips, gazing deeply at Zhang Fang’s back. He should have been her suitor, but he had been taken away! What was worse, Zhang Fang had not looked at her even once! He did not know her.
After leaving, Zhang Fang bought two jars of fine wine on the street and went to the prison to find Guard Zhao.
Guard Zhao did not expect that Zhang Fang had become such a notable figure and would specially come to see him. Remembering what Zhang Fang had previously said, Guard Zhao felt assured he had not made the wrong choice in assisting Zhang Fang!
Knowing that Hao Zhuang’s family was not well-off, Zhang Fang had Guard Zhao take two taels of silver to his family.
During this time, Hao Zhuang had been wronged. The more suffering he endured, the more hatred he felt for Zhang Fang. When the time came for Zhang Fang to deliver evidence of wrongdoing to Hao Zhuang, it was certain that Hao Zhuang would seek revenge on him and present the evidence in the capital.
Even trying to return home discreetly, Zhang Fang was still recognized by many people, who blocked him at the city gate, making it impossible for him to leave.
A fellow villager ran back to inform the Zhang family of this incident, and old man Zhang hurriedly brought his three sons to the city to fetch Zhang Fang.
“Fourth son! Father is here!”
“Fourth brother! We’ve come to take you home!”
The Zhang family of four squeezed through the crowd, and upon seeing Zhang Fang, they quickly surrounded him protectively.
With an apologetic expression, Zhang Fang bid farewell to his admirers and climbed onto a donkey cart with old man Zhang and the others to head home.
“Fourth brother, I heard your books are selling very well! Hundreds of taels of silver each!”
“Fourth brother! You are now a great figure! Many people have come to our home inquiring about you these days!”
“Fourth brother, now that you have succeeded, you must not forget your brothers!”
Old man Zhang glared at his sons with a stern face, softly chiding, “Fourth son has just returned, can you please let him rest?”
After being reprimanded, Zhang Dalang and the others awkwardly fell silent.
Compared to Zhang Fang’s rising fame from writing, old man Zhang was more concerned about his examination results. Gently asking, “Fourth son, was the provincial exam successful?”
Seeing his youngest son returned in good spirits, old man Zhang felt reassured that he had likely passed.
Zhang Fang smiled at old man Zhang and replied, “I passed. Now I’m just waiting for the imperial exam in August.”
If he could successfully pass and earn a degree, given his fame, there was a chance he could attend the National Academy in the capital as a special student.
The serious expression on old man Zhang’s face transformed into a beaming smile, excitement gripping him as he held Zhang Fang’s hand enthusiastically, just like a joyful old child.
“Fourth son, I knew you could do it! You are the smartest child in our family and will definitely earn a degree!”
Zhang Fang clasped old man Zhang’s hand in return, noting its rough and big texture, marked by thick calluses and various old and new wounds. His fingernails were stained with unwashed dirt. He softly said, “Father, I will earn a degree.”
Old man Zhang smiled even wider, tears brimming in his eyes.
Zhang Dalang and the others beside them also shared in Zhang Fang’s happiness. Zhang Fang was the pride of the Zhang family; the more successful he became, the more honor it brought to the family!
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