Zhang Fang stopped in front of the rockery, his emotions stirred as he looked at Xu Chang, asking incredulously, “Teacher, is this true?”
Xu Chang chuckled and replied, “You are my student, of course, I will take care of you.”
Zhang Fang immediately stated with seriousness, “Once I achieve success, I will certainly repay my teacher’s kindness! I will never forget your guidance!”
“Zhang Fang, take the right path; your future achievements will surely surpass mine!” Xu Chang said, meaningfully patting Zhang Fang on the shoulder.
“I will follow your teachings, Teacher! I will make sure to walk well on the path ahead!” Zhang Fang responded humbly.
Xu Chang advised Zhang Fang to refrain from outside activities for the time being and focus solely on the provincial examination. Zhang Fang nodded obediently.
Upon returning to the inn where he was staying, Zhang Fang instructed Manager Wang to pause all external activities, as he needed to concentrate on studying for the examination.
To provide Zhang Fang with a better learning environment, Manager Wang even considered asking other guests to leave the inn. Zhang Fang felt it was unnecessary. Manager Wang had to give up on that idea.
However, Manager Wang posted a notice informing everyone that the provincial examination was about to begin. Starting today, the inn must remain quiet and not disturb the literati who were studying for the exams.
Though Manager Wang did not mention Zhang Fang explicitly, everyone understood the message behind the notice.
The once lively inn quickly fell silent. Even the staff had to clean quietly, fearing that loud noises would disturb the examinees.
Out of the temple outside the county town, more and more visitors came to pray, with many fans going specifically to ask the heavens to bless Zhang Fang for a successful examination and for him to achieve a degree! It was truly a case of one person’s examination drawing the attention of the entire city.
On the day of the provincial examination, Zhang Fang arrived at the examination site with Mu Qing and other examinees to undergo inspections.
After three straight days of exams, not only was Zhang Fang strained, but many other examinees were also exhausted. Their faces were haggard, their bodies unwell, and they had trouble sleeping and felt mentally fatigued.
The instant the gates opened, it felt like a rebirth into the light. Seeing so many people outside, holding signs that read “Zhang Lang’s Examination Goes Smoothly” and “Zhang Lang Passes the Examination,” Zhang Fang felt deeply moved.
Despite being physically drained and looking somewhat worn, he raised a smile and greeted the fans outside.
“It’s Zhang Lang! He has come out!”
“Zhang Lang seems to have lost some weight!”
“My poor Zhang Lang! He has endured quite a bit!”
Upon seeing Zhang Fang, Manager Wang immediately rang a gong, leading several bodyguards to welcome him.
Zhang Fang made a gesture for everyone to be quiet and expressed his gratitude in a few words.
“These days, I have participated in the provincial examination and did not expect to gain your attention. Thank you for your care; everything has gone smoothly for me! Please do not delay your own affairs because of mine.”
“We won’t delay! Zhang Lang! I would gladly do anything for you!”
“Me too!”
Zhang Fang smiled gently and told them, “After resting for two days, I will start writing the next story. I hope you will continue to support me!”
“We will support you! I will always be your die-hard fan!”
“Zhang Lang, please rest a few more days; you must take good care of your health! There’s no rush to write!”
Manager Wei had traveled along the waterways for two days and finally arrived here, hoping to see Zhang Fang immediately after he completed the exam. Who could predict that so many people would gather! He simply could not squeeze his way in!
After trying desperately to push his way through, Manager Wei was scolded angrily and could only retreat with a stiff face. He left reluctantly, planning to return to the inn to wait for Zhang Fang.
To avoid suspicion, Xu Chang would not meet with Zhang Fang right after the exam. However, he was very concerned about Zhang Fang’s results and casually mentioned to the examiners how famous Zhang Fang had become.
The examiners certainly caught Xu Chang’s implication. They planned to wait until they had graded all the papers before specifically handing Zhang Fang’s paper to Xu Chang. After that, what Xu Chang wanted to do was none of their concern! After all, Xu Chang always handled things this way, as he had influential connections! They could only choose to turn a blind eye and pretend not to know.
Zhang Fang returned to the inn and did not chat with Manager Wei; instead, he headed straight to his room for a good rest.
During those few days at the examination site, he had not eaten or slept well, and the people around him were in a constant state of tension. People occasionally went mad and started causing a ruckus. Even the strongest body couldn’t withstand such an environment for a few days.
Manager Wei and the others could only wait patiently until Zhang Fang slept for a full day and night. Finally, when he could no longer endure the hunger, he got up to eat. After bathing, he felt restored and earnestly discussed matters with Manager Wei and the others.
At the business headquarters, the owner had approved the bonuses promised to Zhang Fang by Manager Wei. Additionally, the owner wished to meet Zhang Fang in person to discuss the business of derivative products. Manager Wei came to convey the owner’s wishes, hoping Zhang Fang would cancel the investment cooperation meeting.
“Manager Wei, this is not appropriate! I have already arranged everything! If we cancel, won’t that group of people cause a scene? Can you take responsibility for that?”
Before Zhang Fang could express his stance, Manager Wang became anxious, having worked hard for several days. He had clearly arranged the venue and registered the participating merchants for the investment meeting. Now, Manager Wei wanted Zhang Fang to cancel the meeting—wasn’t that making his efforts all for nothing? Moreover, the merchants who had registered for the investment meeting would definitely not let it go! If they caused trouble, Manager Wang wouldn’t be able to handle it!
Manager Wei’s expression was awkward, and he said helplessly, “To be honest, the owner intends to collaborate with Zhang Cai Zi and acquire the exclusive rights to the derivative products.”
Manager Wang certainly understood this. Seeing Manager Wei speak so directly, he chose to remain silent.
Manager Wei turned to Zhang Fang, realizing that the outcome depended on Zhang Fang’s decision. If Zhang Fang disagreed, there was nothing he could do.
“We will discuss this matter again when your boss arrives. The investment meeting in the state capital will proceed as planned.”
One was pleased while the other was troubled. With Zhang Fang’s statement, Manager Wang felt reassured. Manager Wei sighed helplessly.
After their rest, Mu Qing and a few classmates had also recovered and approached Zhang Fang to discuss matters. Several classmates had come from Dou County to participate in the provincial examination. They found Mu Qing and wanted him to lead the organization of a class reunion to discuss examination-related matters. Mu Qing came to invite Zhang Fang to join them for the reunion.
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