Examination Hall Duel

After speaking, Fang Zheng poured himself a cup of wine, drained it as if nothing had happened, then slowly raised his eyes to look at everyone.

The officials' expressions varied as each pondered the situation.

Some felt bewildered. What could he possibly want with these worthless things? They were just crude seals, not valuable treasures. Could he really be planning to make a fortune from them?

Others felt angry. He was breaking examination hall rules! Traditions passed down for hundreds of years, and here he was treating the whole thing like a joke. How could he turn the imperial examination into child's play?

A small number remained indifferent, merely curious about the situation. These seals... whether they had them or not made no difference to them. Even when they carried them, they rarely used them to mark candidates. After all, a candidate's three years of hard work shouldn't be wasted because of one bathroom visit. They carried the seals mainly as a precaution, just following formalities.

Though opinions varied, everyone had eaten Fang Zheng's food, and with the chief examiner present, they couldn't question him too harshly.

Seeing Fang Zheng's carefree attitude, Zhang Dongxiang suddenly understood everything.

At noon, Fang Zheng had mentioned these marks, clearly showing his dislike for them.

Who would have thought that by the end of the first day's examination, he would collect everyone's seals!

No wonder... no wonder his attitude had suddenly become so attentive. This was the root cause!

You remove things you dislike? You erase rules you disapprove of?

Outrageous! Ridiculous! Simply willful and lawless!

Zhang Dongxiang had a bad temper, but considering that Fang Zheng was a troublemaker, who knew what nonsense he might spout next.

Suppressing his anger, he said in a deep voice. "Stop playing dumb! You collected all the officials' marks, and everyone is here. Are you still going to deny it?"

"You're too bold! Don't think I don't know what you're up to! Return them immediately! Today I can pretend nothing happened, otherwise I'll certainly report you to His Majesty!"

"Ah! So it's about the marks. Now I remember!" Fang Zheng stood up with a look of sudden realization, then continued respectfully. "Master Zhang, if you already know what I'm planning, why be so angry?"

"Many colleagues are new here. What's wrong with me helping share their burden?"

"Not many candidates will use the latrine during the examination days anyway. Why do we need so many officials stamping marks? I can handle this task alone!"

"Don't you agree?" As he spoke, Fang Zheng tugged at Cen Wense beside him.

Cen Wense was immediately dumbfounded and stammered. "Ah yes... no, no!..."

Zhang Dongxiang laughed coldly. Are you trying to fool ghosts with this talk? One person monitoring this massive examination compound? With your lazy behavior at court meetings, you have the nerve to tell such lies!

"Hmph, I gave you a chance! Prepare to be impeached! Someone!! Go find my..."

"Wait!" Seeing him about to search for the marks, Fang Zheng immediately shouted. "Master Zhang! Don't rush to impeach over every little thing! We're all officials of the same court. Filing petty reports is shameful!"

Zhang Dongxiang stared at Fang Zheng in disbelief, shocked that he would say such a thing!

What did he mean by "petty reports"? I can't impeach you?!

Fang Zheng rolled up his sleeves. "If you look down on me, let's go outside and fight! We're both men, fair and square! You're older, so I'll give you a three-punch head start!"

Cen Wense, sitting closest, was completely stunned.

An examination hall duel? And giving a three-punch head start?

Is... is this something one can say?

The officials erupted in an uproar!

This is just bullying nonsense!!

So the rumors were true! After putting on a good show earlier, his arrogant and domineering nature was now fully exposed!

"You... you..." Zhang Dongxiang clutched his chest, his face instantly contorted with pain.

His impression of Fang Zheng had been refreshed yet again. He had never seen such a shameless person!

With one foot already in the grave, you offer me a three-punch head start? You beast who doesn't understand respect for elders!

"Fine! Today I'll break your legs!!" Zhang Dongxiang's explosive temper finally erupted, and he furiously stepped forward to grab Fang Zheng's collar.

The other officials quickly rushed forward to restrain Zhang Dongxiang, continuously trying to calm him down.

"Master Zhang... let's talk this through, don't stoop to his level..."

"Don't fight! Master Zhang, what would others say if this got out... you still need to oversee the examination..."

"Minister Fang, quickly apologize to your Third Uncle!! You're family, why let things reach this point?!"

At these words, Zhang Dongxiang felt another blow to his heart. He glared with bulging eyes and wailed. "I am not his Third Uncle!" Then his eyes closed, and he fainted.

If I had such a bastard nephew, I wouldn't acknowledge him either! Everyone felt deep sympathy for Zhang Dongxiang.

Immediately, an official ran out to find a doctor. Sudden illnesses among candidates were common during examinations, so doctors were always on standby.

Fang Zheng watched the unconscious Zhang Dongxiang with an embarrassed expression.

This matter wouldn't be easy to smooth over. Originally, he had planned to intimidate Zhang Dongxiang with a show of force, then subdue the officials before sitting down for a calm discussion.

Otherwise, based on his experience, if he started by trying to reason, he would likely be attacked by the whole group before getting a chance to speak, leaving him in a completely passive position.

When dealing with these scholars, one had to act like a hooligan first, then talk reason.

But now things had gone wrong. Halfway through his thuggish act, Zhang Dongxiang had fainted. The old man's mental fortitude was truly poor!

The remaining officials sighed as they looked at Zhang Dongxiang, many glaring angrily at Fang Zheng!

Disrupting the examination site was disloyal!

Defying elders was unfilial!

How could such a disloyal and unfilial person serve as an examination official?

Finding himself the target of widespread criticism, Fang Zheng laughed awkwardly. "Don't worry, everyone! My Third Uncle has an old condition. He tends to faint when excited!"

"It's your fault too! He doesn't like others mentioning our private relationship, fearing gossip. Just keep it in mind, don't spread it around!"

The officials stared coldly at Fang Zheng, one of them said angrily. "Minister Fang! You've defied your superior and disrupted the examination! This is no longer just a family matter. What did you do with all those marks? If you don't explain clearly, even though I am of low rank, I will petition against you!"

Shortly after, the doctor arrived quickly and carried Zhang Dongxiang to his bedroom.

Facing everyone, Fang Zheng remained completely calm. Now that their leader was gone, no one could make decisions. This was the perfect time to reason with them!

"Listen to my explanation, everyone!" Fang Zheng raised both hands, then lowered them. "Those marks you lent me... I've already disposed of them. Those useless things would only be uncomfortable to carry. Whatever you paid for them, I'll compensate you fully!"

"What! How dare you throw away our marks! If candidates are suspected of cheating, how will we identify them during grading!"

"Fang Zheng, how dare you!!"

Suddenly... the crowd erupted in anger.