“Speak up,” the emperor commanded after setting Zhang Fang free. He asked why Zhang had accused Xu Chang.
“I have participated in the provincial examinations five times and failed four. After befriending Xu Chang, I passed the fifth examination with ease. Subsequently, in the academy examination, I achieved the top score. I suspect that the monitoring officials tampered with the exam papers, resulting in severe corruption in the imperial examination system! I implore Your Majesty to investigate the corruption in the examination hall of Jiangzhou over the past decade thoroughly!” Zhang Fang reported on the matter of examination malpractice without mentioning anything else.
The emperor’s expression gradually darkened, and his hand, resting on the table, slowly tightened into a fist. Zhang Fang’s willingness to risk his life for a thorough investigation indicated that there was definitely a problem! The seriousness of the examination malpractice could not be understated! Zhang Fang had long harbored doubts but had remained patient until he arrived in the capital to expose it. He must have feared retaliation!
Gazing deeply at Zhang Fang, the emperor asked coldly, “You suspect the Jiangzhou imperial examinations were rigged. Do you have any evidence?”
“I have no evidence, but I beseech Your Majesty with my life to investigate the corruption in the Jiangzhou examinations! If Xu Chang is wronged, I am willing to die as an apology!” Zhang raised his head, his gaze steadfastly meeting the emperor’s.
The emperor stood up and moved closer to Zhang Fang, looking down at him with scrutiny, slowly speaking, “Are you implying that there is corruption in Jiangzhou’s examinations, and your degree was obtained through this corruption?”
With a serious expression, Zhang Fang responded, “I implore Your Majesty again to grant mercy to Jiangzhou! Allow the students there to take a fair examination!”
It seemed Zhang Fang was very confident in his abilities. After suspecting that his previous failures were due to a hidden agenda, he had also confirmed that his achievements through flattering Xu Chang had a darker implication, firmly believing that the examinations in Jiangzhou were compromised. He would not fear the outcome, even if they held a completely fair examination once more!
The emperor scrutinized Zhang Fang with a penetrating gaze.
Having befriended Xu Chang, Zhang Fang clearly had the potential to ascend rapidly, given the bright prospects ahead. Why would he self-destruct, exhausting effort and even risking his life to eliminate Xu Chang? Could it be that Zhang Fang was already aligned with the crown prince, thus betraying Xu Chang and targeting the third prince?
Bending down, the emperor lowered himself to meet Zhang Fang’s gaze closely, asking softly, “What is your intention with this action?”
I must say, the man truly is handsome! The emperor thought, recalling that all eligible princesses already had engagements, which was a real pity!
“In my eyes, darkness cannot coexist. Even if I were to be reduced to ashes, it would be for justice and fairness.” Zhang Fang spoke with unwavering determination, every word clear and resolute.
Zhang Fang’s honesty made the emperor smile. Such upright individuals were not unseen, but he didn’t believe Zhang Fang was truly this naive and pure. Instead, he leaned towards believing Zhang Fang had chosen the crown prince and aimed at the third prince by undermining Xu Chang.
“You truly are as rumored, full of integrity,” the emperor remarked with a hint of a smile, helping Zhang Fang to his feet.
Zhang Fang bowed his head, feeling timid in such close proximity to the emperor. After all, there were royal guards present, and the atmosphere was tense. Should he dare make any suspicious move, he would surely be treated as an assassin!
“Your Majesty, I am sorry for my earlier rudeness.” Zhang Fang attempted to step back, distancing himself from the emperor.
However, the emperor held Zhang Fang’s hand tightly, smiling as he chatted with him. “I have read the stories you have written. Very good!”
Zhang Fang lowered his eyes to respond, “I am unworthy.”
“If you are unworthy, then who in this world is worthy?” The emperor’s voice carried amusement, testing Zhang Fang step by step.
“There are countless talents in this world; I am merely a small drop in the ocean.” Zhang Fang expressed modesty, keeping his gaze lowered.
Having conversed this long, Zhang Fang had yet to break a cold sweat, indicating he was calm and unafraid. If such a person were not exceedingly wise, then they must possess a pure heart.
The emperor teased Zhang Fang in a friendly tone, “Why do you not raise your head to speak?”
“I dare not, fearing disrespect in Your Majesty’s presence.” Zhang Fang still kept his head bowed, managing himself well.
The emperor chuckled heartily, “I pardon you, feel free.”
“Thank you for Your Majesty’s great kindness!” Zhang Fang finally raised his head, meeting the emperor’s profound and inscrutable eyes directly.
In those clear eyes, there was no evasion, only tranquility. The emperor raised an eyebrow and said to Zhang Fang, “I truly like you; why don’t you stay by my side as my personal advisor?”
Without needing to participate in the imperial examinations any longer, Zhang Fang could become a prominent figure at the emperor’s side instantly. The emperor was confident that Zhang Fang could not refuse!
However, Zhang Fang resolutely declined!
“I thank Your Majesty for your great favor, but I do not wish to take shortcuts to success; it would be unfair to the other struggling students.”
This left the emperor surprised. If Zhang Fang were aligned with the crown prince, he would undoubtedly seize this opportunity. Yet, he had refused! Could it be that he was truly that principled? Fearlessly righteous? Integrity beyond measure?
If so, the emperor held Zhang Fang in considerable respect. After all, such individuals are rarely seen in this world. They indeed should be retained well, allowing Zhang Fang to serve as a breath of fresh air, sweeping away the gloom in the court.
However, the emperor did not fully believe him and further probed Zhang Fang: “You take the examinations; isn’t it ultimately to gain a position in governance?”
Zhang Fang gently shook his head, explaining, “I come from a poor family, where my ancestors have farmed for generations. One day, a scholar collapsed at our doorstep, and my father rescued him. The scholar taught me a few characters, believing I was fit for study. That is why my family went hungry to support me in my education. I am not afraid of Your Majesty laughing at me; I actually do not wish to pursue the path of imperial examinations. However, my family has high hopes for me, and I can only continue. Compared to obtaining titles and wealth, I would rather write. In the past, I even ventured into a brothel to write, leading to my absurd imprisonment.”
The emperor was already aware of Zhang Fang’s past and had sent someone to investigate it; he was naturally informed. But he still feigned ignorance, curiously asking, “Is that so?”
The emperor gestured for Zhang Fang to sit down and chat further and signaled to a close attendant to bring refreshments for Zhang Fang.
Zhang Fang recounted the events of that time earnestly, speaking of his past escapades without feeling ashamed and unfazed by the emperor looking down on him. His candidness was indeed admirable!