The Pure Examination Site Must Not Be Tarnished

Fang Zheng maintained his radiant smile.

Seeing Zhang's terrified expression, he smiled and said, "Ah, Young Master Zhang, it's been a long time."

Zhang Chang lowered his head nervously, not daring to meet his eyes, softly saying, "Yes... yes.."

Though his attitude was respectful, his back teeth were nearly grinding to powder.

Endure! Endure for a moment of calm, step back for a broader view!

A gentleman's revenge can wait ten years. Once I become His Majesty's close aide and get promoted, the first person I'll destroy is you!!

Fang Zheng whispered, "Oh my, don't be too nervous about the exam, stay calm."

"Or... do you still remember what happened before? Don't worry! I've long forgotten about your drunken lewd behavior on the pleasure boat!"

Fuck! He's threatening me?

Blood vessels gradually spread across Zhang Chang's eyes, but he kept his head down, not daring to move.

Afraid he couldn't control his anger and would pounce on this bastard to tear him apart!

Fang Zheng continued muttering, "Though you're disagreeable, and your father is disagreeable, this is the national Grand Selection which cannot be taken lightly. I will definitely fulfill my duty fairly."

"After all... I'm not a monster!"

Damn!

Monster? Are you worthy? You damn clown!

My good reputation was completely destroyed by you!

Villain! Scoundrel! Dog thief! If I don't kill you, I'm not a man!

Zhang Chang's chest heaved, his fist clenched tightly under the table, nails digging deep into his flesh.

He feared losing control and giving Fang Zheng an excuse to expel him from the examination.

After Fang finished speaking, Zhang Chang slowly raised his head, feigning calmness, "Minister Fang acts with fairness and justice, this student admires you."

After speaking, he took a deep breath, picked up his brush, and pretended to write.

Seeing this, Fang Zheng smiled faintly and turned away, continuously thinking to himself.

This Zhang Chang had abundant family resources and a high probability of passing. With his father's powerful background, he would undoubtedly be trouble in the future.

Fang had already thoroughly offended him, along with his father.

There was no room for reconciliation.

Letting him pass would be like burying a landmine for himself. This father and son would definitely join forces to cause trouble. One Minister of Revenue was enough trouble!

Not crushing such a person into the mud didn't match Fang's usual style.

However, in today's setting, he really couldn't pull any tricks.

He couldn't just give him a false accusation and remove him from the examination site. The pure examination site must not be tarnished by him!

After all, he had principles, and such things were absolutely not allowed!

After careful consideration, Fang Zheng felt somewhat regretful, sighed, and continued wandering among the cells.

...

One cup of tea's time later...

Zhang Chang's right hand trembled as he placed his brush on the inkstone.

Watching this familiar, shameless, lowly person passing back and forth before his eyes.

He finally couldn't contain his rage and shouted, "Fang Zheng!! Are you fucking done yet?!!"

His voice was so loud that candidates from several rows north and south stopped writing and looked toward the source.

Since the cells faced south with walls between them, unfortunately, no one could see this good show.

But Shen Yi saw it! And heard it!

Fang Zheng had walked past him dozens of times, which had puzzled him.

After pondering, he thought Fang Zheng just wanted to peek at his examination paper.

Unexpectedly, the target was someone else!

Whoever it was, they were finished, because Minister Fang was petty!

This point had been observed by all the newspaper reporters!

Though Minister Fang was generous, he seemed to dock people's bonuses for minor issues.

He didn't know which unfortunate person had offended him, but they certainly weren't good people!

Shen Yi smiled, shook his head, and continued answering questions.

Hearing the angry shout, Fang Zheng was secretly delighted, but his expression gradually turned serious as he solemnly said, "Candidate! Please control your emotions. If you dare make noise again and disturb other candidates, be careful that I expel you from the examination! This is a warning!"

Once his anger erupted, Zhang Chang couldn't contain it. Hearing Fang threaten him again, he immediately shouted loudly, "Officials! Officials! Where are the officials! I protest!!!"

At this moment, three officials had already hurried over. Seeing Fang Zheng, they immediately felt a headache.

This guy really was trouble! Never peaceful wherever he went. How had he provoked a candidate now?

As they got closer, the officials suddenly realized.

So... it was Minister Zhang's son. Everyone knew Zhang Shi and Fang Zheng didn't get along.

But you can't openly mess with someone's son at the examination site! Is there no law?

The three officials' faces already showed indignation.

Seeing this, Zhang Chang's eyes also showed delight! These people were on his side, all disliking Fang Zheng!

One approached Fang Zheng and whispered, "Minister Fang... do you and he have some conflict? Can't it be resolved after the examination?"

"The provincial examination happens only once every three years, don't ruin someone's future... he's Minister Zhang's son."

Fang Zheng took a deep breath, impatiently saying, "No, I'm an examination official! How could I do anything harmful to a candidate?"

"He's roaring in the examination hall and you're talking to me about what? Ask him why he was shouting so loudly!"

The official looked sternly at Zhang Chang, "Candidate! Why were you shouting earlier!"

Zhang Chang was delighted, about to complain, when he suddenly froze!

Yes... how to explain this? He was just monitoring!

After hesitating for a long time, Zhang Chang didn't know how to begin.

The official grew impatient, "Speak quickly! How dare you treat the examination site as a joke! What are you protesting!"

Feeling cornered, Zhang Chang could only stammer, "He... he kept... walking back and forth in front of me... I protest.."

Hearing this, the three officials collectively froze, their expressions gradually darkening.

Are you an idiot? We monitoring officials walk back and forth! Now you won't let us walk?

Even if your father is the Minister of Revenue, even if your father was the supreme deity, he would still have to let us walk!

However, considering Zhang Chang's status, the three officials decided to be patient. With anyone else, they would have immediately expelled them. But expelling this young master would mean offending Zhang Shi.

One official stepped forward angrily, "Do you understand the rules! We are monitoring officials. If we don't walk back and forth, how can we monitor? What is there to protest? Protest denied!"

"This is a warning! If you dare shout again, you'll be expelled from the examination!"

Zhang Chang immediately pulled his head back, looking helplessly at the three officials.

In the shadow, the fear of being tormented by Fang Zheng surged... his mind was completely blank!

Fang Zheng was amused and said sarcastically, "Exactly! What are you protesting about?"

"As a candidate, the most important thing is to concentrate fully. I made just a small movement and you kept watching me. How inappropriate!"

"Other candidates are fully focused, calm and collected. Since entering, they haven't glanced at me once. I think... only they deserve to take this examination!"

"I.... I... I...." Zhang Chang kept gasping for breath, his mind in chaos.

Previously wanting to devour Fang Zheng's flesh and blood, now he had been outmaneuvered again!

Absolutely cannot be expelled from the examination... absolutely cannot be expelled from the examination...

This was the only thought in his mind now.

Fang Zheng continued, "Alright, alright, let's all disperse. Taking an examination isn't easy, don't put too much pressure on him. Let's go."

The other officials looked at Fang Zheng with some surprise.

They hadn't expected Minister Fang to be so magnanimous!

One official pointed at Zhang Chang, "You! Aren't you going to thank Minister Fang?"

"Th... thank you... Minister Fang.." Zhang Chang hung his head, his whole body trembling, tears welling in his eyes.

"Mm, remember! Do nothing wrong, fear no ghost knocking at your door!" Fang Zheng said, "Let's go everyone, let's not disturb the candidates."

The three officials nodded and followed Fang Zheng away from the cell.

Their conversation could still faintly reach Zhang Chang's ears...

"How could Minister Zhang's son be like this?"

"Sigh... never expected it, really never expected..."

"Gentlemen, though I have no son, I understand education. This is because Minister Zhang has spoiled him too much! As they say, spoiling a son is like killing him. A potted plant indoors won't grow tall! Look at this mental fortitude!"

"Right, Minister Fang makes sense... sons shouldn't be spoiled! Three days without beating and they'll climb the roof! My son was beaten..."

"Ah! No wonder your son has great prospects! Swords are forged through grinding, plum blossoms gain fragrance from cold! That's why!"

"Oh! Good poetry! Truly excellent poetry! Brother Fang.. come, come, let's go back and chat..."

The voices faded, and Zhang Chang's face grew increasingly gray.

As the voices disappeared, the tears that had filled his eyes finally broke through... two streams flowing down his cheeks...