Instantly, the crowd was praising the emperor’s wisdom.
The attendant noticed this and recalled the young man from the carriage, still perplexed as to why he garnered so much affection from the people. Was it just because he wrote a good book?
Living in the palace, accustomed to the many shadows within, the attendant thought that Zhang Fang’s stories were naive, almost laughable in their goodness. Justice is not easily upheld or defended; true justice in this world is dictated by those with supreme power. Only foolish people would be enamored by the beautiful world portrayed by Zhang Fang’s pen. Anyone with a clear mind would find it all quite ridiculous.
Despite feeling extremely sarcastic inside, the attendant maintained a respectful stance towards Zhang Fang. When the carriage arrived at the imperial city, he led Zhang Fang into the palace.
The attendant initially thought Zhang Fang would be filled with apprehension upon entering the palace for the first time. However, upon closer observation, he found the young man to be calm and composed, showing no sign of anxiety or the desire to speak.
The attendant, surprised by Zhang Fang’s composure, couldn’t help but speak, “Young Master Zhang, it’s still a bit of a way into the palace; if you’re tired, you can rest for a moment by the roadside.”
Zhang Fang shook his head, smiling gently as he replied, “Your Majesty has summoned me; to delay would be a grave disrespect.”
The attendant: …
With an awkward smile, the attendant explained, “While that is true, but as you’ve traveled quite a distance, pauses along the way would be forgiven by the emperor.”
“Thank you for your kind intentions. I am not tired.”
His smile was as warm as spring and his demeanor as gentle as jade. Despite being clad in plain clothing, he exuded an ethereal presence.
The attendant quickly understood why so many loved Zhang Fang. Perhaps it wasn’t just his works they cherished but also the person himself! With such a charming and graceful demeanor, how could one not admire him?
The attendant showed Zhang Fang more genuine concern and casually mentioned a few things.
“The emperor is a wise ruler, known for his appreciation of talent. Having heard of your virtuous name, he has specifically summoned you.”
The implication was clear: the emperor’s summons was a good sign, and as long as Zhang Fang behaved properly presenting himself, there would be no issues.
Zhang Fang thanked the attendant for his kindness and casually took out a pen and a small notebook, hastily writing a couple of lines of poetry to present to him.
The attendant was taken aback, clearly not expecting such an action from Zhang Fang. Outside, it was said that Zhang Fang’s handwritten poetry was worth a fortune! And here he was, receiving it so effortlessly! It was truly generous! After all, whatever was valuable was indeed a good thing!
“Thank you, Young Master Zhang!” The attendant carefully tucked the paper away.
Then the attendant casually commented on the pen Zhang Fang used, asking, “I’ve never seen such a pen; it writes with ease, it’s truly convenient!”
“This was gifted by a fan of my work.” In reality, the pen was something Zhang Fang had crafted himself. However, he didn’t want to make himself seem too extraordinary. Now that he was famous worldwide and had numerous fans, he couldn’t risk making the emperor wary. Being high-profile was enough; there was no need to showcase more skills. The stronger one was, the quicker one might meet their end!
“I see, it’s indeed a fine item!” The attendant nodded.
Zhang Fang, somewhat regretful, said, “If I had more than this one pen, I would gladly gift it.”
“Then do treasure it well, Young Master Zhang!” The attendant quickly shook his head, as he did not intend to ask Zhang Fang for anything! He was merely complimenting as a continuation of their conversation!
Not wanting to delve too deeply into palace matters, the attendant began to share some news about court events with Zhang Fang.
The crown prince’s birth mother was just a lowly palace maid who had long since passed away. The third prince’s mother came from a noble family but spent her time in the palace meditating, ignoring outside affairs. The palace’s steward was Director Xu, who was close to the emperor. The situation in court echoed what the second prince had mentioned; there were factions loyal to the emperor, divided into the crown prince’s camp and the third prince’s camp.
Zhang Fang understood that the emperor held all the power tightly in his grasp. To shake the imperial authority, vindicate the Liu family, and elevate the second prince was indeed not an easy task.
As the two conversed, the attendant revealed a lot of information, and Zhang Fang promised him that when his next book was published, he would make sure to gift him a copy. The attendant’s face lit up with a smile! Though he looked down on the naive plots in the stories, books held great value! Anything that was valuable was certainly a good item!
While waiting outside the imperial study, Zhang Fang faced the scrutiny of the General of the Imperial Guards calmly, without a hint of tension.
Until the attendant emerged and led Zhang Fang inside, Zhang Fang straightened his back and stepped into the imperial study.
Before entering, the attendant had reminded Zhang Fang to bow and lower his head, but upon entry, he did none of that.
When the emperor looked up, he saw a jade-faced youth slowly approaching.
His plain clothing did nothing to conceal the cold aura emanating from him. This aura caused the emperor to instantly take notice.
Individuals with such composure are usually those who have trained themselves. Only those who have cultivated their inner peace can maintain an unshakeable demeanor, regardless of whether they face a powerful noble or a lowly worm, treating both with equal calm.
“Student pays respects to Your Majesty; long live the emperor!” Zhang Fang respectfully bowed to the emperor.
Even though Zhang Fang had achieved fame, without passing the imperial examination or gaining the emperor’s direct endorsement, he could not be considered an official disciple of the emperor. However, Zhang Fang referred to himself as a student, which was quite intriguing.
The emperor, however, smiled and, with a kind demeanor, instructed someone to give Zhang Fang a seat. With a teasing tone, he chatted with Zhang Fang, “You call yourself a student; surely you are confident about attending the palace examination?”
Zhang Fang lowered his gaze and answered respectfully, “Replying to Your Majesty, the student will do his utmost.”
The emperor smiled knowingly and suddenly posed a challenge to Zhang Fang: “I have heard you are now under the governance of the governor of Jiangzhou, Xu Chang.”
To his surprise, Zhang Fang suddenly knelt down solemnly and submitted, “Student requests Your Majesty to thoroughly investigate Governor Xu Chang and the other officials of Jiangzhou!”
The emperor: ???
His smile faltered slightly; who would have thought Zhang Fang would suddenly launch such a bold attack! He aimed to accuse a local governor!
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