Chapter 0010 Review

Hmm

Fang Jifan lifted his spirits and raised his gaze, only to meet Zhang Mao's eyes. To his surprise, Fang Jifan smiled at him amicably, while Zhang Mao's face grew even longer.

Zhang Mao immediately said: "The review of the Ming Dynasty initially focused on cavalry and archery, but since the reign of Emperor Wen, it has become insufficient to judge heroes solely based on these skills. Therefore, Emperor Wen issued a decree to change the examination policy, which not only allows you to offer suggestions to the court but also tests your talents. His Majesty has already presented the questions; come, bring forth the questions."

What a disgrace, truly a disgrace

Fang Jifan said without hesitation: "Submit the paper!"

If others were to laugh like this, Zhang Mao would still think this young man is quite good, as he respects the elderly and loves the young

If it were not for the need to consider the occasion, Zhang Maohen would have been inclined to pound his chest and stamp his feet in lamentation for Fang Jinglong, lamenting how the Fang family, known for generations of loyalty and integrity, could have produced such a person

The most regrettable thing is that this fellow has delicate skin and tender flesh, with the appearance of a handsome young man. Bah, how is he like a performer from the pear garden? Among the noble families, which of the outstanding young men is not tall and imposing, exuding a vigorous and spirited demeanor?

This question is evident at a glance; it is the emperor inquiring about strategies. How can the issues in the southwest be resolved

It seems that the various tribes in the southwest have become a source of concern for the Hongzhi Emperor, and this time during the inspection, such a situation has arisen.

Fang Jifan was taken aback; given the current situation, it is better to be cautious and discreet. This British noble does not seem easy to provoke.

Then, a clerk came holding a sign, and Fang Jifan felt a chill run down his back when he was stared at by Zhang Mao. However, upon seeing the inscription, he ignored Zhang Mao.

Since the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, the court has incorporated the southwestern provinces into its territory. In order to govern regions such as Guangxi and Yunnan, the court established numerous garrison states and garrison guards in the southwest, appointing local chieftains to manage these areas. Since the reign of the founding emperor, the southwest has never known peace. The local chieftains or indigenous people have frequently revolted. Just last year, the "Fujian Rebellion" occurred in Guangxi. The court, in its efforts to quell the rebellion, exerted considerable effort. Fang Jifan's father, Fang Jinglong, was also ordered to go to Guangxi to suppress the uprising. Although the rebellion was ultimately subdued, the Ming army suffered significant casualties and incurred unknown expenses in terms of resources and provisions. Since the reign of the founding emperor, the southwest has never known peace. The local chieftains or indigenous people have frequently revolted. Just last year, the "Fujian Rebellion" occurred in Guangxi. The court, in its efforts to quell the rebellion, exerted considerable effort. Fang Jifan's father, Fang Jinglong, was also ordered to go to Guangxi to suppress the uprising. Although the rebellion was ultimately subdued, the Ming army suffered significant casualties and incurred unknown expenses in terms of resources and provisions

Zhang Mao was so enraged that he spat blood, and with a fierce slap on Fang Jiban's documents, he exclaimed in uncontrollable anger: "Fang Jiban... you... you... you truly are... how outrageous. Fine, fine, fine, take his papers and seal them!"

Fang Jifan felt embarrassed, just as he was about to say something

The candidates looked at the questions, each with shining eyes. These meritorious youths had long heard of the Southwest Rebellion, and many of their forebears had experiences of going to the Southwest to quell the rebellion. How difficult could it be to deal with these barbarians? Wasn't it easy?

He wore an expression of anger, yet he saw Fang Jifan had already bowed his head and began to write swiftly.

Astonishing all present

Many candidates looked up in surprise at Fang Jifan, but soon they seemed to find it normal again, each secretly delighted. The prodigal son of the Fang family is indeed the prodigal son of the Fang family, truly... ? ... It is well-deserved. It has only been the time of two incense sticks, and there is still a long way to go before the exam is over, yet this guy has already submitted his paper. Surely he submitted a blank sheet?

Submit the paper

Are you Fang Jifan

He pointed to an empty desk in front of him, his expression cold and indifferent

He recognizes this kid even in ashes. Zhang Mao is indeed a fierce general who has fought in both the south and the north. Fang Jilong, the father of Fang Jiban, once served under this old lord, which is a bond forged in the trenches where they fought side by side. It has long been heard that Fang Jilong has an unworthy son who not only squandered the family fortune but also nearly drove Fang Jilong to his grave with anger. As a result, when Fang Jilong returned triumphantly to the capital last time and came to pay his respects at his own residence, he appeared to be quite embarrassed and humble.

Fang Jifan felt embarrassed, yet he saw Zhang Mao already seated in front of his own desk, intently watching his every move.

Fang Jifan is indeed writing. In his previous life, he practiced calligraphy quite well and even participated in a calligraphy interest class during his school years. Of course, he cannot be compared to the masters of calligraphy in this era, but his identity is sufficient to impress others.

Perhaps this fellow is not as incompetent as imagined, could it be that there has been some misinformation, and that someone has exaggerated the truth

He was just pondering.

Zhang Mao said with his hands behind his back: "Move my chair over here."

Zhang Mao was so furious that his teeth itched, and he angrily said: "Fine, although I am appointed as the chief examiner today, aren't you, Fang Jiban, also supposed to review? I will keep an eye on you and see if this useless spendthrift dares to act recklessly. Someone, distribute the paper and pens. Fang Jiban, come sit here."

As Zhang Mao looked at Fang Jifan bound tightly by ropes, he thought about how everyone was eager to come for the inspection. Yet here you are, brought in against your will. If it weren't for His Majesty specifically naming you to come, would you have even agreed to come?

The ropes of the two loyal generals, Fang Jifan, were untied

He obediently sat at the front empty desk, and then a scribe came to distribute the writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone

To everyone's surprise, Fang Jifan was the first to finish writing, and he was indeed the quickest to respond

Fang Jifan gazed at the title, pondering for a long while. He understood that this was a hard-won opportunity for him to review the work. If he could rank among the top, he would have a chance to redeem himself; however, if he were to fall short, he feared that he would be destined to continue rotting for the rest of his life

He focused his energy, speaking with an indescribable seriousness. As he turned his wrist, everything flowed seamlessly. Yet in his heart, he thought, if he were fortunate enough to obtain the championship belt, whoever dared to let Fang Jifan perform acupuncture on them again, Fang Jifan would use the championship belt to strike them dead.

The candidates behind could not help but feel secretly pleased upon witnessing this

Zhang Mao pointed at Fang Jiban with his finger and said with a stern face: "Release his ropes"

It is quite uncomfortable to have a big man staring at me

Zhang Mao sat aside, utterly shocked and speechless. This kid... really knows how to write

Thus, one by one, they picked up their pens and eagerly began to answer the questions

Fang Jifan did not linger either, and unexpectedly greeted Zhang Maoxing with a bow: "You are leaving, huh?" and then left as if he were flying.

Fang Jifan even thought that Zhang Mao resembled an old piece of glass

Fang Jifan, however, paid no attention to these gazes; he only wished to escape as far as possible. After all, he had completed the examination, and whether he would succeed was left to fate.

He... can actually write?

Does the young man from the Fang family know how to write

If this is tolerable, then what is not tolerable

However, on the archway, there were several large golden characters inscribed: "What is the reason for pacifying the Southwest"

Fang Jifan had just begun to feel a bit more relaxed when the white-haired British noble Zhang Mao pointed an accusing finger at his nose and lamented, "Your father was also a remarkable man, how could he have given birth to such a useless offspring like you? He is too reluctant to discipline his son, but I must take it upon myself to teach you a lesson. You even sold your family estate, worse than pigs and dogs..." With that, he raised his hand as if to strike.

Fang Jifan was taken aback, wondering if it was really necessary. He wanted to avoid the situation, but fortunately, several military officials nearby could not stand by and quickly stopped Zhang Mao, saying: "Your Excellency, during today's inspection, it is absolutely unacceptable to act this way"

Upon hearing the name Fang Jiban, Zhang Maoyi's expression darkened.

Originally wanting to rage, upon careful consideration, it seems rather pointless to become angry during this review. If this fellow wishes to court disaster, then let him do so.

Zhang Mao instinctively thought that someone like Ke Fangjifan, with such a smile, might be up to some mischief

However, since he is a spendthrift, this image is unlikely to change anytime soon, so...