Chapter 0009: Tied Up in Knots

They are all noble offspring of the Ming Dynasty, having enjoyed a life of luxury and abundance since childhood. However, as the saying goes, a hero's son is also a hero; everyone hopes that when they inherit their father's title, they will also receive favor from the palace and be summoned for service.

I am going crazy, going crazy indeed

Fang Jifan smiled at him, appearing completely unconcerned, took out the Xiangfei fan, gently fanned the air, and then spoke word by word: "I, Fang Jifan, do not believe that you have the guts to bind me!"

The young eunuch appeared to have let out a sigh, commanding people to escort Fang Jifan to the Office of the Commander of the Imperial Guards

He touched his forehead, wincing in pain; this fellow was truly ruthless, to the extent that the teacup shattered, with shards of porcelain embedded in his flesh. His hand, which he used to touch his forehead, was drenched in blood. He let out a howl: "Someone, someone, bind him, bind him!"

The students being reviewed numbered over 500, divided into six examination halls. He inspected each one, and when he reached the last examination hall, he paused in his python robe, appearing particularly refreshed. He addressed the candidates, saying: "You are all of noble lineage, blessed by the favor of your ancestors. Today’s review is divided into three, six, and nine ranks, with the purpose of selecting outstanding talents. Those who excel must follow in the footsteps of your fathers and ancestors, engaging in campaigns and serving in the inner court. Show your abilities well, and earn honor for your fathers and ancestors, securing a golden belt for yourselves"

Fang Jifan was extremely excited, but upon seeing Deng Jian still present, he smiled and reverted to his prodigal nature: "Your Majesty's grace is boundless, but... but..."

He stared at Fang Jifan with eyes as venomous as a snake, seemingly filled with hatred. Lowering his voice, he continued: "Do not think that just because your Fang family holds the title of Earl, it means anything to us. Do you believe that your father, relying on his weapons, has gained the Emperor's favor and can live without worry? To speak frankly, how the Emperor views you and your father still depends on those around him. In this palace, who is closest to the Emperor? Hey ... ... " Hey ... ... "

Then, someone burst into hearty laughter

The young eunuch still harbored resentment; he was well aware that this time, during the official duty, such an incident had occurred. Naturally, he could return to the palace to report the matter. However, in the eyes of His Majesty, while Fang Jiban was indeed guilty, what about himself? If he could not even handle this minor issue, it was likely that his future prospects would be lost as well

"What do you mean?" The little eunuch said with righteous indignation, while the other party, Jiang Yifan, showed not the slightest hint of goodwill: "Hehe, we naturally know that the young master of the Fang family would never agree to go. We also heard that two years ago, when your father, the Duke of Nanhe, wanted people to carry you there, you stubbornly refused. But let me make it clear in advance, I am here on imperial orders, and even if it means binding you, I will take you away."

Today, many distinguished youths have arrived, each of these young men is full of spirit and appears eager to try their hand at something new

The chief examiner appointed by Emperor Hongzhi was the Duke of England, Zhang Mao. This elderly duke looked at the hall full of young talents and felt a sense of comfort in his old age, as many of them were old acquaintances. Zhang Mao held high hopes for them.

Zhang Maoling said coldly: "No matter who is causing a commotion, today is the inspection, this matter is of great importance, bring the person here!"

As he was speaking, a commotion suddenly erupted outside. Zhang Mao furrowed his brow slightly, and the several military officials beside him were equally astonished. Noticing the displeasure on Zhang Mao's face, one of them quickly suggested, "I will go down to take a look."

He took the rope and, while two of his loyal soldiers were busy subduing Fang Jifan, he tied Fang Jifan up tightly, feeling a considerable sense of relief afterward

He roared in a harsh voice: "Are we afraid to tie you up? You say we are afraid to tie you up? If we are really afraid to tie you up, then let this surname be written backwards!"

He clutched his forehead and screamed loudly

The meritorious youths around, at first curious and moving closer to see the commotion, immediately retreated as if avoiding a plague upon hearing the name Fang Jifan

Fang Jifan was indeed honest, allowing himself to be tied up. As this little eunuch bound Fang Jifan tightly, Fang Jifan couldn't help but roll his eyes. Indeed, a eunuch is a eunuch; even when tying a rope, they still have the audacity to tie it in a bow.

Everyone said: "Yes"

Zhang Mao recognized the person who had been bound, and before he could inquire further, the young eunuch stepped forward and respectfully said: "My lord, I have been commanded by His Majesty to escort the son of the Duke of Nanhe, Fang Jifan, here for inspection. I am merely acting on orders, so I hope my lord will not take offense."

Fang Jifan felt that the atmosphere in the examination hall had suddenly changed.

Therefore, we cannot return to the palace to report the situation, so we have no choice but to take hostages. Did you, Fang Jifan, not say that we lack courage? We will show you that we do have the courage.

Outside, a young eunuch brought in the imperial guards for an official duty. Upon seeing this situation, they did not dare to hesitate, swiftly rushing in. Without saying a word, they took the ropes and restrained Fang Jifan.

Provocation, this is a blatant provocation

A blood blister had already formed on his forehead, and the young eunuch's face twisted in pain. Moreover, the most important thing was that Fang Jifan actually dared to say that he was lacking in courage. Last time, he insulted him by saying he had no manhood, and this time...

The young eunuch grew impatient: "Young Master Fang, how much longer are you going to dawdle?"

Fang ... ... continues. ... ... ... Fan ...

This golden belt is still fastened around Zhang Mao's waist. Although he holds a high position as a minister, having inherited the title of Duke and been appointed as Grand Preceptor, he could wear any belt without it being considered overstepping. However, in his heart, this golden belt is a symbol of honor

When the crowd saw that the Duke of England was angry, everyone was filled with trepidation. After a short while, they saw someone bound hand and foot being escorted by two of his personal guards.

The young eunuch was completely bewildered

Fang Jifan knew that this young eunuch had gained favor in the court and was eager to flaunt his authority, threatening him. He sighed and said, "If I don't go, will you resort to binding me? Is there no reason left to discuss?"

The teacup was smashed hard by Fang Jifan, striking the little eunuch on the forehead. The little eunuch let out a loud cry, and immediately, bright red blood began to flow from his forehead. His head buzzed, and he stood there in a daze.

Zhang Mao laughed heartily and said, this golden belt indeed has a historical reference. The practice of reviewing troops began with Emperor Taizu, the founding emperor. Initially, it was called "Yueqi". When Zhang Mao, the Duke of England, was young, during the Yongle period, he participated in a troop review in the Western Garden, where he shot three arrows in succession, hitting the target each time, and was thus granted the golden belt.

"Then you can give it a try," the young eunuch squinted his eyes and glared fiercely at Fang Jifan, displaying an expression that suggested their enmity was now established and they would see how things unfolded in the future. "You, with the surname Fang, are you even worthy to discuss reason with us?"

The so-called Imperial Guard Command is distinct from the Five Armies Command, claiming jurisdiction over the twenty-six Imperial Guards. It is the elite of the elite within the imperial army; however, the Command is largely nominal, merely a facade, with its primary responsibility being the coordination of the twenty-six Guards. Naturally, it is also responsible for inspections.

Fang Jifan, however, smiled, a glimmer of light flashing quickly in his eyes. He then slowly walked to the willow wood table, which held several tea cups and a teapot. He picked up an empty tea cup and began to play with it in his hand

Bang

The young eunuch immediately gritted his teeth and roared in a harsh voice: "You, surnamed Fang, do you dare to assault... assault the imperial envoy? You have such audacity... what do you intend to do? You..."

Fang Jifan unexpectedly smiled at him in a strange manner. This prodigal son suddenly presented the little eunuch with an image of a refined young gentleman, as gentle as jade. The little eunuch thought it was an illusion and was momentarily dazed. Indeed, the previously gentle demeanor vanished without a trace, replaced by a face full of malice. He saw a glimmer of cold light shoot from Fang Jifan's eyes, and immediately afterward, the teacup in his hand slipped away, flying straight towards the little eunuch's forehead

The meritorious youths greedily gazed at the belt worn by Zhang Mao, each one rubbing their fists in anticipation, eager to give it a try.