After listening, the emperor nodded in satisfaction, fully relaxing his guard against Zhang Fang. It seemed Zhang Fang was indeed the virtuous gentleman as rumored! Although Zhang Fang had reported Xu Chang, he had dispelled the emperor’s suspicions. As long as Zhang Fang stayed away from the court and did not engage in political intrigue, the emperor continued to admire him.
“I truly cherish you, do you really not wish to stay by my side as an advisor?” This was the emperor’s final attempt to test Zhang Fang.
Shaking his head, Zhang Fang apologetically rejected, “If it weren’t for requesting Your Majesty to thoroughly investigate the provincial examinations, I would not have come to the capital.”
“Your purity is greatly appreciated. I need talents like you by my side,” the emperor spoke sincerely now.
Zhang Fang sighed helplessly and stood up to request of the emperor, “The world’s splendor is too dazzling for me; I would prefer to dwell in the deep mountains and teach more virtuous talents for Your Majesty.”
Each step back Zhang Fang took made the emperor more eager to keep him close. He reminded Zhang Fang, “The political situation is complicated; being outside of it, you do not know what impact a thorough investigation of Xu Chang would have. If you do not remain by my side, I fear there may be unforeseen accidents.”
“I understand,” Zhang Fang replied, lowering his gaze, appearing compliant but radiating a stubborn resilience.
Offending Xu Chang and the forces behind him while not seeking the emperor’s support was certainly like courting death!
The emperor fell silent. Zhang Fang was well aware that reporting Xu Chang would offend many officials and could lead to retaliation, yet he still pressed on. Such a person, noble and righteous, is respected yet despised. Zhang Fang’s integrity revealed the filthiness of many others. No one would favor a crane among chickens.
The emperor reminded Zhang Fang, “You came to the capital alone; have you settled your family affairs?”
Zhang Fang suddenly looked up, his expression becoming complicated. His eyes showed turmoil for a moment before he responded, “What I do is my own affair, it has nothing to do with my family.”
The emperor said softly, “No one can truly leave everything behind. If you understand, you may come to be my advisor.”
“Thank you for Your Majesty’s kindness! I will take good care of myself!” Zhang Fang politely rejected the emperor once more.
Seeing his pride and unwillingness to inch toward power, the emperor stopped urging him. He specifically summoned the second prince into the palace to escort Zhang Fang out.
Unlike Zhang Fang’s calm demeanor, the second prince was anxious and had many questions for Zhang Fang, but with so many people around, he hesitated to ask.
Only after boarding the carriage did the second prince lower his voice to a level only they could hear and ask Zhang Fang, “Did Father Emperor make things difficult for you?”
Zhang Fang shook his head, responding with a faint smile, “His Majesty wishes to keep me by his side as an advisor, but I did not agree.”
The second prince first showed a look of surprise, then nodded. His father was quite hypocritical and did not genuinely wish to keep Zhang Fang; it was merely a test! Fortunately, Zhang Fang had not agreed!
Taking out a small notebook and pen, Zhang Fang quickly jotted down several lines of text to explain the situation to the second prince.
Upon learning that Zhang Fang had actually accused Xu Chang in front of the emperor, the second prince was left dumbfounded. He wanted to speak but covered his mouth, afraid of being overheard by others.
Zhang Fang’s actions had stabbed Xu Chang, also stabbing the third prince in the back. The third prince would definitely think Zhang Fang was colluding with the crown prince; could the third prince still tolerate Zhang Fang after that?
The second prince looked worried, fearing the third prince would retaliate against Zhang Fang. He reached out to grab Zhang Fang’s hand, wanting to persuade him.
Zhang Fang made a gesture for him to remain silent and wrote a few more lines on the paper.
He was intentionally provoking the third prince. By forcing the third prince to act against him, the crown prince would undoubtedly seize the opportunity to deal with the third prince. Only when these two factions fought fiercely, reducing one to nothing but rebellion, would Zhang Fang have the chance to control the overall situation.
The second prince was startled; he hadn’t realized Zhang Fang was using himself as bait to lure the third prince, the crown prince, and the emperor all into the fray! This would pit father and son against each other in mutual suspicion and violence!
Did this mean Zhang Fang wanted him to rise to that position?
Thinking of this, the second prince could not remain calm, his face showing hesitation, gripping Zhang Fang’s hand excitedly.
Zhang Fang calmly wrote two more lines. If the second prince did not compete, not only would the Liu family be unable to reverse their fate, but whether the crown prince or the third prince ascended, neither would likely tolerate the second prince. The second prince’s life and death ultimately lay in the hands of others!
This made the agitated second prince gradually regain his composure. Giving the knife to someone else meant handing over his own life and death to others’ decisions. Zhang Fang aimed to reclaim that knife for him, helping him to clutch it tightly, ensuring both his own safety and the protection of others.
In the end, the second prince did not reject Zhang Fang.
After escorting Zhang Fang to a location, the second prince did not follow him inside.
Manager Wang and Yuan Quan led Zhang Fang into the residence to rest. They had hired over a hundred guards; seeing so many people, Zhang Fang calmly instructed Yuan Quan to have them all leave.
“I prefer a quiet environment and dislike too many people around.”
Before Yuan Quan could speak, Manager Wang quickly advised, “Talented Zhang, those admirers are too fervent. This is the capital, and some powerful people might offend you. It’s safer to keep the guards here!”
“Under the emperor’s feet, who would dare be so bold?” Zhang Fang appeared incredulous and insisted they lead the guards away. Keeping those people around would make it difficult for the third prince’s people to act. Even if they wanted to, it might implicate these innocent guards.
Yuan Quan, with a helpless expression, advised, “There are many ambitious and reckless nobles in the capital; it’s inevitable that some dare to take such risks. Talented Zhang, don’t be distrustful.”
“You need not persuade me any further; please take them away. I want to rest properly.” Zhang Fang rubbed his temples, looking weary.
Manager Wang and Yuan Quan exchanged glances, both looking resigned. Knowing that Zhang Fang had a domineering personality, they could only escort the guards away. They intended to leave a few maids and cooks behind, but this was also declined by Zhang Fang.
Unable to persuade him, they could only reluctantly take everyone away.