The Crown Prince Goes on Hunger Strike

For two consecutive days, Fang Zheng saw no sign of Li Yuanzhao in Banshan District.

It seemed the impact had been too great, causing him to withdraw completely.

Fang Zheng wasn't concerned, enjoying two peaceful days. Actively pursuing the role of educator would be too paternalistic, which he wouldn't do.

Besides... young people are forgetful. In a couple of days, Li Yuanzhao would recover. There was no rush.

During these two days, he hadn't been completely idle. He took the opportunity to quickly study up on imperial examination-related knowledge, while having Xiao Tao help with some work preparations.

He couldn't afford to be exposed. His scholarly persona couldn't collapse! If someone caught him in a lie, it would be more than just embarrassing!

He didn't dare ask directly, so after court sessions he would indirectly probe others with a few questions.

Fortunately, he gained some understanding of the process, so he wouldn't appear completely ignorant.

He had experienced the college entrance examination, but compared to the imperial examination, that was nothing!

He had absolutely no memory of the imperial examination and had never paid attention to such matters.

He had kept the county gates closed, playing by his own rules.

Taoyuan County did have scholars, but he kept them tightly locked down. None could participate in examinations!

By now, the new generation of eligible students didn't even include a single scholar. They knew nothing but plain language, completely unpresentable...

An "illiterate" county magistrate with "illiterate" people under his governance. How fitting!

At noon on this day, white clouds filled the sky and a cool breeze blew.

The entire household gathered in the courtyard for lunch, with servants setting up several large tables.

Fang Zheng's table included his closest associates, seated under the shade of a tree.

Each table was laden with dishes, mainly meat.

Taoyuan County had sent over several milk-fragrant pigs. They had originally planned to eat them in the evening, but everyone was too tempted, so they decided to cook them all for lunch.

The aroma carried by the breeze reached far down the street, making passersby sniff the air.

After Fang Zheng took the first bite, everyone began to feast heartily.

In the midst of their enjoyment, an uninvited guest burst in.

A panicked figure appeared in the courtyard, looking disheveled and in a hurry.

Fang Zheng recognized the visitor and laughed, "Liu Jin? Why have you left the Eastern Palace to come to my home? Here for a free meal?"

Liu Jin looked at the delicious food on the table, swallowed, then turned and exclaimed plaintively, "Minister Fang, please stop joking."

"Please go... go to the Eastern Palace quickly! His Highness hasn't eaten or drunk for two days and refuses to leave his room! What should we do?!"

"We've had physicians examine him, but they say there's nothing wrong physically!"

Hearing this, Fang Zheng raised an eyebrow.

Two days without food! That doesn't seem like the Crown Prince's character!

Would he starve himself over heartache? He might have eaten secretly.

Forget about him for now!

"Liu Jin, have you eaten? Join us?" Fang Zheng asked.

Liu Jin responded with a mixture of laughter and tears, "I wouldn't dare! Please, Minister Fang, go see His Highness... I'm afraid he might become ill from hunger."

Fang Zheng pondered for a moment before saying, "His Highness just has no appetite. Palace food is also unappetizing, that's why he's not eating!"

"Here! Take this pork knuckle to him and tell him it's from me. The flavor is exquisite, he must try it!"

Liu Jin licked his lips, looking at the appetizing pork knuckle, "Will... will this work? Minister Fang, what's really wrong with the Crown Prince? Won't you please visit him personally?"

"Ah! His Highness is fine. Hurry and deliver it! Don't waste time, don't let it get cold on the way!" Fang Zheng pointed at the knuckle with his chopsticks.

Xiao Tao immediately stood up to get a food container, adding several more dishes.

Before Liu Jin could react, the container was thrust into his hands.

Fang Zheng stood up, grabbed a handful of melon seeds and walnuts from the table, and stuffed them into Liu Jin's sleeve, then waved his hand, "Off you go!"

Liu Jin's face twitched visibly!

Testing a eunuch like this!? What eunuch could resist such temptation!

Do you think I'm a three-year-old child?!

He had originally hoped that by mentioning the Crown Prince's hunger strike, Fang Zheng would visit immediately. The two had an excellent relationship, and he thought Fang Zheng would go without hesitation. He hadn't expected Fang Zheng to be so unconcerned!

Liu Jin grew anxious on the spot, "Minister! Good food won't help! I'm afraid if the Crown Prince continues like this, there will be serious problems!"

"He's not even reading books anymore!"

Books? The Crown Prince reads books?

Fang Zheng laughed carelessly, "What books does His Highness usually read?"

Liu Jin blushed, leaning close to Fang Zheng's ear to whisper.

The others at the table could vaguely hear some indescribable book titles.

After listening, Fang Zheng immediately felt profound respect!

To be able to read such boring material every day was impressive! Now he wasn't even reading them, clearly indicating a serious problem!

Back when he used to spend hours on online forums discussing historical battles, he wasn’t nearly this diligent!

"Wait! I'll go with you right away!"

With that, Fang Zheng hurried back to his room, emerging shortly after in official attire. He instructed everyone in the courtyard, "Keep eating! Don't wait for me."

Liu Jin was overjoyed, quickly picking up the food container with one hand while pulling Fang Zheng's sleeve with the other.

Outside, he discovered that Liu Jin had already prepared horses.

"Let's go! Tell me on the way what the Crown Prince has been doing these past two days!"