Chapter 0008: Brother is determined to soar to great heights

Fang Jinglong noticed that Fang Jifan was silent and thought that his words had upset his son. He then said, "Alright, alright, I won't say anything more. I understand that you do not like to take on responsibilities and do not enjoy being constrained by others. I will not bring it up again in the future"

"Alright, alright, you are so talkative," Fang Jifan said impatiently. "Where is Xiao Xiangxiang? Come and get dressed."

Deng Jian, on the other hand, was anxious: "The imperial envoy has already arrived at the main hall, just waiting for the young master to go. The uncle went to the Military Governor's Office early in the morning on official business, the young master must hurry over, otherwise it would be disrespectful to the imperial envoy..."

The young eunuch looked at him with a smile that was not quite a smile. Fang Jifan quickly performed a bow, saluted respectfully, and said: "I have met the esteemed eunuch. You have traveled a long distance, and I was unable to greet you from afar. I hope you will forgive my oversight"

Fang Jifan spoke while making a gesture as if pulling out silver from his pocket, saying that he needed to give the person a little tea money. Although he pretended to be a spendthrift every day, he still understood the unspoken rules.

He waved his hand, feeling quite melancholic, thinking of those who, like him, were the sons of nobles, each taking pride in their academic achievements, and then looking at his own son

Fang Jifan would not dare to say that he wanted to participate in the examination. The former prodigal son would absolutely not attend the exam, so he avoided Fang Jinglong's self-mocking gaze. However, he was thinking to himself that he indeed should give the examination a try. But his situation was special; how could he go about it in a way that seemed natural and would not raise any suspicions?

The young eunuch coldly said: "By the decree of His Majesty, there will be a review of the Imperial Guard today. Please proceed to the Imperial Guard Office, young master."

At that moment, Deng Jian had caught up, but he did not dare to enter the room; he merely peeked in from outside.

Although Fang Jinglong knows that his son is a disappointment, he occasionally harbors hopes of his son achieving greatness. Now, unable to suppress his emotions, he shakes his head, feeling that his thoughts are indeed unrealistic.

Fang Jifan quickly dressed himself, his mind preoccupied with the matter of the review, filled with anticipation. He hoped to make a remarkable impression, to soar to great heights. He wanted everyone to know that this young master was not only clever and handsome but also exceptionally talented.

The young eunuch, with a heart as clear as a mirror, suddenly pulled a long face and said with displeasure: "Young Master Fang, spare me."

Fang Jifan was still in a daze, and after listening, he suddenly turned over and got up with a roll... in the palace... What does this mean

Fang Jifan could never have anticipated that this eunuch had such a history with that prodigal from before. For a eunuch, the greatest resentment is likely to stem from being mocked for their shortcomings. Alas, that damned prodigal...

The young eunuch maintained a cold expression, smiling with his lips but not with his eyes, and said: "We certainly dare to take others' silver, but as for Young Master Fang's silver, heh heh... we truly do not have the courage to accept it. Young Master Fang, have you forgotten that last year it was also us who came to deliver the edict, and you insulted us to our face, calling us worthless? Today, we have not grown any new worth, so... we cannot accept Young Master's gift..."

Alas... ancestors...

He chuckled dryly and said, "Your Excellency has come here; may I ask what brings you?"

It has long been heard that this prodigal son sold the family's fields and belongings. Looking at the several long benches in this hall, the young eunuch even felt that he had gained a new understanding of the phrase 'a family stripped bare'.

Although I am the heir of the Nanhe Bo, the eunuchs cannot do anything to me. What is truly frightening is if there are any changes at home, as one cannot rule out the possibility of someone taking advantage of the situation.

Fang Jifan was anxious in his heart, Father, I want to serve in the official capacity, I want to participate in the review, I do not want to be a useless person for my entire life, why are you not saying anything? You can torment me, can't you be a bit more resolute, slam the table, put me on the tiger bench, drip candle wax on me, even if you bind me and take me away, you must give me a chance to serve in the official capacity

Fang Jifan was well-versed in the history of the Ming Dynasty. Upon hearing about the Duzhi Supervisor, he immediately understood why this young eunuch was so arrogant. In terms of power, among the twelve eunuch institutions in the palace, the Grand Eunuchs of the Si Li Jian and the Yu Ma Jian were undoubtedly the most influential. However, for the young eunuchs, the Duzhi Supervisor was also a desirable position, as its duty was to accompany the emperor and guide the ceremonial processions. Those who spent every day by the emperor's side became the objects of flattery both inside and outside the palace, turning into highly sought-after figures.

Fang Jifan felt a mix of surprise and delight; this emperor is quite interesting

Fang Jifan was deeply pained, yet he did not dare to reveal it

The next day, Deng Jian's voice rang out like a gong: "Young Master, Young Master, someone from the palace has arrived, commanding the young master to go for a review."

Upon seeing Deng Jianlai, Fang Jifan felt a sense of regret. At this moment, as a prodigal son, it was impossible to mend the relationship. Moreover, given the current situation, it seemed that repairing this relationship would be quite difficult.

What do you mean by strict family education and unruly behavior? ... Has my notorious reputation already reached the ears of the Emperor?

Fang Jifan sighed inwardly, feeling even more melancholic than Fang Jinglong

At this moment, the young eunuch appeared even more sinister, smiling coldly as he continued, "Back then, we could do nothing to the young master, but now, we have entered the Imperial Censorate, and from time to time, we must serve the Emperor. In the future, young Master Fang should be cautious.

Deng Jian ran up to him, panting, and said: "A eunuch has come from the palace, saying that there will be a review today. Upon hearing this, His Majesty was greatly pleased and said he wanted to select talented individuals to join the imperial guard. However, for some reason, he thought of the young master and actually said to those around him, 'Isn't the son of the Duke of Nanhe always unruly? This is due to the lax family discipline. He should also be reviewed. If he does not go, it will be considered a great disrespect to the young master.'"

Hastily arriving at the main hall, one could see a pale-faced eunuch standing with his hands behind his back, looking disdainfully at the main hall of the Fang family

Eunuchs, indeed, are living eunuchs. Based on Fang Jifan's understanding of eunuchs, those who are always by the emperor's side are not to be underestimated. Although their status is lowly, they possess extraordinary power.

"Yes, yes, just a small token of appreciation." Fang Jifan had already taken out a piece of broken silver.

As the main character approached, Fang Jifan noticed that Deng Jian had not yet caught up, and immediately put on a smile

Deng Jian said with a worried expression: "Xiang'er is ill today, I will go and ask Lan'er to come right away"

Fang Jifan felt a sense of relief in his heart. Being forced to act lewdly for many years was quite difficult for someone as upright and pure as himself. Thus, he deliberately showed an impatient expression and said: "Then this young master will do it himself. Lan'er has a small chest, and this young master would rather touch himself."

Yet, upon thinking of his ancestors, Fang Jinglong felt a pang of pain in his heart again

Deng Jian looked at the young master with a face full of relief, and indeed, the young master remained true to his nature. It seems that this illness has increasingly improved.

Naturally, these words are not to be spoken. It seems the whole world has deemed him a good-for-nothing rich kid, destined only to be a burden to his father. If he were to suddenly show ambition, it would indeed be suspicious, especially in light of his condition of having a 'brain disease'.