Old Zhang reluctantly looked at his youngest son, his yellowed, aging eyes filled with worry.
Zhang Fang released his father’s hand and waved, saying, “Father, go back! Don’t gather money anymore! It’s more important for the family to stay united and live well than anything else! I’m just locked up; I’m not going to the guillotine, so don’t worry about me.”
Old Zhang, mouth agape, mumbled, “Take care of yourself…”
Seeing that the elder wouldn’t leave, the jailer walked over with a stern expression and scolded, “You old man still won’t go? If not, why don’t you just stay here with your son! I’ll open the cell door and let you two stay together—chat however you want!”
Old Zhang hunched over and quickly apologized, “I’m sorry, sir. I will leave now.”
After walking a few steps, he suddenly turned around, quickly pulled a cloth bag out of his bosom, and stuffed it into Zhang Fang’s hands.
“Fourth son, these beans were specially roasted for you by your mother.”
Zhang Fang quickly accepted it.
The jailer looked displeased, thinking the father and son were truly inconsiderate! They had food but hid it instead of sharing it with him! He wouldn’t let them in next time!
Old Zhang turned back repeatedly, a look of reluctance on his face. He had a hunched back, with white hair, and the straw sandals on his feet were thin; with a slight tug, they would easily snap.
Zhang Fang’s throat bobbed as he felt a heaviness in his chest. Looking down at the bag in his hands, filled with love, he felt as though he couldn’t catch his breath.
Seeing that everyone had left, Zhang Fang remained motionless, and Liu Mu hesitated before calling out, “Brother Zhang?”
Zhang Fang took a deep breath, not turning around to acknowledge Liu Mu, but shouted towards the outside, “Sir! Sir!”
The jailer, having just chased Old Zhang away and not in a good mood, heard someone shouting in the cell. With a scowling face, he entered, whip in hand.
Arriving at Zhang Fang’s cell door, the jailer was about to lash out with the whip to teach him a lesson.
However, Zhang Fang took the initiative to hand over the bag, smiling as he spoke, “Sir, these beans were roasted by my mother, and I don’t know if they fit your taste. If you don’t mind, would you like to try some?”
Seeing Zhang Fang being so considerate, the jailer’s expression brightened. He put away the whip, reached out to take the bag, opened it to take a look, and the aroma was quite appealing. Paired with the jar of wine Old Zhang had previously brought, it would make for a decent meal!
“Do you really think what your mother roasted is suitable for me?” he said, although his hands had already grabbed a few beans to taste.
Zhang Fang smiled gently and replied softly, “Next time my father comes, I’ll have him bring something else for you.”
The jailer suddenly found the young man quite agreeable, and his attitude improved significantly. Casual, he asked, “If something happens while I’m on duty, just call me. As long as it’s not excessive, I can overlook it.”
Zhang Fang immediately explained, “It’s like this; I am a scholar preparing for the imperial examinations. I will be passing soon! Although I ended up here for a mistake, it shouldn’t delay my studies; otherwise, my family would lose a successful candidate! So, my father plans to bring my books to the cell so I can continue studying here. Once I succeed, our family will be able to live well! For those who have helped me, like you, I will definitely be grateful! Once I soar to success, I will repay you!”
The jailer was confused by Zhang Fang’s words and asked in surprise, “So have you already passed the exams or not?”
“I’ll be passing soon! I’m practically a candidate already! There will be a place for me in the court!” Zhang Fang replied, earnest and confident.
Liu Mu listened in astonishment, wondering how someone could boast like that.
The jailer, perplexed, pressed on, “How can you be so certain you’ll pass? You really think you can achieve the top scholar?”
“Because I’m the best student at our academy! Our teacher said I’m a top talent! If I perform steadily, I’ll definitely place first; if luck isn’t on my side, I’ll at least finish as a successful candidate!” Zhang Fang said, not needing to think twice, his demeanor entirely serious.
Upon hearing this, the jailer, half-believing, slowly said, “I didn’t expect you to be someone with potential. If you truly become the top scholar, don’t forget how I helped you today!”
Zhang Fang smiled, “I’m someone who knows gratitude and will never forget those who’ve helped me! I’ve already made up my mind: when I meet the Emperor and become the top scholar, I will publicly hang a plaque listing everyone who aided my success! I want the world to know that Zhang Fang is grateful!”
Zhang Fang’s elaborate dreams impressed the jailer, and he became increasingly polite. He promised not to obstruct Old Zhang from visiting next time! Even the jailer returned the bag of roasted beans to Zhang Fang.
The jailer pointed at Liu Mu and asked Zhang Fang, “Will he disturb your rest? Perhaps I should move him to another cell and let him share with someone else, while you can have a cell to yourself.”
Zhang Fang glanced back at Liu Mu, who looked utterly shocked.
Shaking his head, Zhang Fang responded to the jailer, “No need. A person who can become the top scholar can focus on their studies regardless of the circumstances. Once I achieve that, I will definitely come back to treat you all to drinks! And I won’t leave until I’m drunk!”
The jailer envisioned how glorious it would be to have a top scholar as a benefactor and grinned widely, saying to Zhang Fang, “Alright! I’ll be waiting to drink the top scholar’s wine!”
After the jailer left, Zhang Fang turned around and returned to sit beside Liu Mu.
Liu Mu wore a complex expression and remarked, “Brother Zhang, you have such a way with words.”
It’s a shame you’re not doing fraud with such skills.
Liu Mu had already figured out what kind of person Zhang Fang was. A vibrant young man with so many little schemes. His family wasn’t wealthy, yet he dared to visit the brothels. Old Zhang, dressed in rags, clearly lived a tough life. Meanwhile, Zhang Fang’s clothes were impeccable, without a single patch. His father wore straw sandals, but the son donned soft, fabric shoes! Having a child like that truly is a blessing!
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