Chapter 3, Ideals and Reality

Hmph! Without studying, how can one achieve success? Do you think that just having money allows you to walk through this world with ease?

Ideals are always higher than reality. Moreover, under normal circumstances, ideals are invariably shattered by the relentless force of reality

Fang Zheng returned to his room, dejected, without even taking off his clothes, and collapsed onto the bed, letting out a heavy sigh. The small courtyard he had chosen in his previous life was somewhat secluded; the room was not small, but the furnishings were sparse, giving it a somewhat empty feel. With a sigh, the sound echoed within the room.

It is not necessarily required to study in order to bring glory to one's ancestors. If the child earns more money and expands our Fang family's business overseas, wouldn't that also bring honor to our family? Fang Zheng was truly anxious; this is not how time travel should be. After all my efforts, I traveled back to the ancient times just to study? I might as well have died in the sewer back then.

Is it a donation made with money? Fang Zheng understood that in ancient times, donating money to obtain official positions and titles was indeed a very common practice

What is the background of a "shengyuan"? One cannot blame Fang Zheng for not understanding; among modern individuals, even those who have graduated from university, how many truly grasp the meaning of "shengyuan"? It's akin to asking an elder about a quadratic equation; he certainly wouldn't understand either

Later, Madam Fang noticed that Fang Zheng was quite depressed, so she informed him that the current state of affairs was unstable. The Turks frequently invaded and plundered, slaughtering cities, while domestically, the people were driven to rebellion due to heavy taxes and miscellaneous levies. With internal strife and external threats, the national treasury was empty, and the court was in urgent need of funds. This was why it allowed wealthy merchants or landlords to spend money to purchase official positions. However, this was merely an unwritten policy, as selling and buying official titles was not considered honorable. From the emperor down to the county magistrates, everyone turned a blind eye to the matter of purchasing official positions. Both parties involved kept this matter shrouded in secrecy and maintained a low profile. Fang Zheng's bold intention to "buy a top scholar" could only be described as a case of ignorance being fearless.

Moreover, Madam Fang subtly hinted to Fang Zheng that there was no need to worry too much about academic achievements, as no one in the Fang household truly expected this young master Fang to attain any notable distinction. Old Master Fang merely intended to use the pretext of studying to restrain him, hoping to keep him from causing trouble outside. For Fang Zheng, this was good news, as the pressure was significantly alleviated.

Fang Zheng said with a troubled expression: "Isn't this inappropriate? It would sound so bad if it got out."

Fang Zheng sketched a beautiful blueprint for the future and fell into a deep sleep. In his dreams, he held a large stack of banknotes and was desperately chasing after several stunning beauties, completely unattainable. As Fang Zheng chased, he drooled, feeling both proud and anxious, caught in a deep conflict.

I wonder how the parents in another world are doing? Losing their son, they must be more heartbroken than anyone else. And those friends of his, who he often met with, drank and boasted together without a care, now that he is gone, I truly miss them.

"What? Reading?" Fang Zheng exclaimed in disbelief.

"For no particular reason, simply because it is what I, the old man, have said." Master Fang did not even raise his eyelids as he spoke; this elder was not accustomed to reasoning with his son

Why? Fang Zheng did not understand. With a family, a career, and surplus wealth, why not enjoy a good life as a wealthy man? Yet, his father insisted on him studying to become a top scholar. This seemed to be seriously disconnected from his own aspirations

What a fuss! This is utterly inappropriate! Master Fang was very dissatisfied with Fang Zheng's reaction

Fang Zheng awkwardly scratched his head and said: "That's not it. What I mean is that our Fang family is a well-known wealthy household. Spending money just to sponsor a scholar seems a bit petty, neither here nor there, which invites ridicule. Why not spend a bit more and simply sponsor me to become a top scholar? It would save a lot of trouble..."

Master Fang was aware that his son's temperament had recently changed. Upon hearing this, he immediately expressed his anticipation: "Is it possible that my son intends to diligently study and earn a degree through his own efforts? If so, it would truly be a blessing from our ancestors"

I just don't understand why it is so difficult for an outstanding young time traveler to accomplish something

I never expected that my son truly lives up to the title of "prodigal son," having reached the extreme of being unambitious. After I spent money to secure him a degree as a scholar, he was still not satisfied and actually wants to use money to buy the title of a top scholar.

"Zheng'er, your father wants you to study for your own good. Our Fang family has prospered now, lacking nothing, but we are short of a degree. If you study diligently and become a successful candidate in the future, your father can make some arrangements for you to hold a seventh or eighth rank official position. Wouldn't that bring honor to our family?" Mrs. Fang, seeing that the two were about to argue again, quickly interjected softly to explain.

Becoming a military general is even more unrealistic. With Fang Zheng's currently frail physique, it is simply absurd to think of him as a general! Not to mention anything else, the weapons used by military generals often weigh over a hundred pounds. It would be quite an achievement for Fang Zheng to even manage to lift one, let alone expect him to wield a weapon and charge into the enemy ranks as if it were a walk in the park. That would be an endeavor more difficult than reaching the heavens.

The young man is nothing but a scholar! This little rascal, utterly uneducated, spends all day causing trouble! Master Fang truly despises his son to the point of gritting his teeth, yet unfortunately, the person in question remains completely oblivious.

Well, it's settled! Let's pursue this promising career of being a dandy young master! Fang Zheng cheers for his wise decision. Just look at this demeanor, this appearance, this depth; everything about him is the very essence of a born young master.

Upon waking from a deep sleep, Fang Zheng's dreams were shattered

Madam Fang : `` ... ... ''

How did it come to this for Young Master Fang? His future is uncertain, and he can forget about a beautiful wife or concubine. The only close maid by his side always wears a stern expression, as if someone owes her money

Master Fang: "... ... Get out! Get out! Hurry up!"

In other time-travel novels, the male protagonists thrive remarkably, leading armies when mounted and governing the people when dismounted. Even the emperor must consider the protagonist's feelings before making a move. At home, he has countless beautiful wives and concubines, whether they are princesses from his own country or foreign ones. If you are merely a county princess, you would feel embarrassed to even greet him

Master Fang's original intention was merely to find a place for Fang Zheng to stay quietly. Attending the academy to study is certainly better than competing for attention in a brothel. As for the hope of becoming a top scholar, Master Fang had no such expectations. He was well aware of what kind of person his son was. He was nothing but a good-for-nothing wastrel, and for someone like him to rely on his own abilities to achieve fame and success would be as unlikely as smoke rising from an ancestral grave; it would require a miracle.

Master Fang slowly took a sip of tea and then said: "I have spent money to secure a student position for you, and I have also made arrangements with Master Chen from Mingdao Academy. After you rest at home for a few days, I will take you to Master Chen's house to pay your respects and you can go to the academy to study every day. The servants at home do not dare to manage you, and I am often not at home, so the teachers at the academy should be able to keep you in line"

As for those who save the people from water and fire, and repel foreign enemies at the national gates... that is not the business of buddies and *illustrated* books. One should wear a hat that fits the size of one's head. Fang Zheng looked at himself in the mirror, and aside from feeling handsome and charming, he did not resemble the appearance one would expect of a savior.

As a civil servant, Fang Zheng had no interest; being an official was not an easy task. In terms of cunning, wisdom, means, and ruthlessness, Fang Zheng was no match for others. A small oversight could lead to being devoured, skin and bones, by someone else. Do not think that people in ancient times were all foolish; that misconception is perpetuated by modern television dramas. In fact, people in ancient times were just somewhat narrow-minded, but they were not lacking in shrewdness and could be quite calculating when it came to others.

What is even more troubling is that after arriving in this unfamiliar world, what should I do? Just thinking about this question gives Fang Zheng a bit of a headache

After much contemplation, Fang Zheng finally made the most prudent decision: to continue being the wealthy young master. Since heaven has arranged for me to be born into a merchant family, it must be for this reason, right? How wonderful it is to be a young master, with everything one could desire—food, drink, and entertainment—all at one's disposal, with someone ready to serve at any moment. Taking care of birds, walking dogs, and engaging in cricket fights are all part of the duties of a dandy. In the future, when my father grows old and retires, as his only son, I will inherit the vast family business, marry several beautiful wives, and live a blissful life of decadence typical of the landlord class. Isn't that a hundred times better than leading younger brothers into battle or scheming with a group of old men in the court?

As an emperor, ... . ... Uh, never mind, let's be more realistic.