Chapter 607: Hopeless Case

Since numerous government offices, including those of the Five Ministries, Six Departments, Hanlin Academy, and Chancellor’s Office, were concentrated in the alleys between Daming Gate and Lizheng Gate, there were many restaurants in the area. After all, although officials’ salaries were extremely limited, a trend of extravagance had emerged in the court, and social engagements were inevitable in official business. As a result, these places were always busy, often filled with people, and even had special private rooms.

That noon, Zhang Yue and Wan Shijie went to Xiangyun Tower, located near Songshu Alley near Xuanwu Gate. Having spent time in the Ministry of War, they were familiar with the surrounding restaurants, but this was their first time here. Compared to those places with their loud and eager service, this one seemed rather deserted. It was lunchtime, yet there was only one owner dozing off inside. Seeing this, Wan Shijie couldn’t help but frown deeply.

“This guy is quite smart. Everyone else around here is packed, yet he found such a deserted place! He claims to be Xiao Fang’s elder brother, but over the years, how many times has he visited the kid? I scolded him harshly that time, thinking it would wake him up, but instead, he disappeared for years. If he really intends to take the kid away this time, I must…”

Ever since receiving that letter, Zhang Yue had been troubled. Logically, they were brothers. Fang Rui said he wanted to see Fang Jing, and he shouldn’t stop him, nor could he. But right now, it was a critical time for the provincial exams, and Fang Jing was already fully committed. If they met now, and Fang Jing could set aside his grievances, that would be fine. But if not, it would cost three years. Though he wasn’t Fang Jing’s biological brother, he really liked the kid’s sense of responsibility and didn’t want to disappoint him. Plus, Fang Rui’s past actions made him cautious, and since he couldn’t figure out what Fang Rui really wanted this time, he simply brought Wan Shijie along to discuss it.

Yet now, he truly regretted it. Wan Shijie usually seemed carefree and frivolous, but that was only when no one provoked him. If angered, he could turn into a real force of nature. At this moment, he could only whisper, “Lao Wan, since we’re here, keep your mouth shut. For the sake of decency, Xiao Fang is after all your half-disciple!”

Stopping Wan Shijie from continuing, Zhang Yue stepped forward to wake the shopkeeper. Learning that the person was already waiting in the private room upstairs, he went up first. When the shopkeeper saw Wan Shijie following as well, he slumped his head back on the table and fell asleep, showing no intention of preparing food or drinks.

Pushing open the two peeling doors, he immediately spotted Fang Rui facing the entrance. Compared to their meeting in Jiangnan, Fang Rui had lost a lot of weight now; his green silk robe appeared extremely loose, and his complexion was pale and worn. It wasn’t until he heard the heavy sound of the door closing behind him that he realized Wan Shijie had followed in.

Coughing lightly, he spoke directly, “Xiao Fang’s provincial examination is approaching, so it’s inconvenient for him to come out now. If Brother Fang has anything to say, please go straight to the point.”

Seeing that his younger brother wasn’t there with the two of them, Fang Rui felt an intense bitterness in his heart. Over the past two years, he had forced himself not to inquire about his brother’s situation and hadn’t visited that house in Xi Pailou Alley even once. Much of this was because he had left without saying goodbye and felt too ashamed to see Fang Jing again. Moreover, he was currently walking on a knife’s edge and didn’t want to drag his brother into trouble. Yet, Mei Qing’s words that day suddenly made him realize the truth.

After all this time, it turned out he had been on the wrong path, forgetting what true reliance was!

“I just haven’t seen him in years and miss him a bit. I never thought he would have to take the provincial examination at such a young age…”

Before he could finish speaking, Wan Shijie beside Zhang Yue snorted irritably, “Miss him? If you really missed him, would you go years without seeing him? If you had stayed the last time you came to see him and clarified everything, that would have been fine, but you just left, leaving your brother utterly disappointed! You say Xiao Fang is too young to take the examination, but do you know how hard he’s studied day and night these years? Do you know his greatest wish is to succeed and fulfill your hopes? Do you know that every time he goes to the Duke of Britain’s residence, he speaks highly of you to the Duchess? Yuanjie, don’t stop me. If it weren’t for Xiao Fang’s maturity at such a young age, I would definitely beat this guy!”

Zhang Yue had always been the kind to keep things to himself and dislike showing them outwardly. Thus, he had to pull Wan Shi Jie along, but upon hearing those last words, he couldn’t help but force a bitter smile as he released his grip. He thought to himself that if Fang Rui wasn’t still part of the Han Wang Family, he would have beaten the guy straight away to avoid him causing trouble that might affect Fang Jing the next day. After giving Fang Rui a cold glance, he said in a deep voice, “We all regard Little Fang as our own brother. Old Wan has said everything that needs to be said, and I don’t want to waste words on you either. At this point, what exactly do you plan to do?”

“I…”

Fang Rui was well aware that Mei Qing’s words were not a kind reminder but merely an attempt to have him use that familial relationship. Yet, he had already gone down this path to the end. It was too late to turn back now, but pushing forward blindly would only doom the two brothers. So, he lowered his head to hide the complex emotions in his eyes and took a deep breath.

“I know it’s been you guys who have taken care of and taught him all these years. I have no face to say anything else. The Crown Prince is dead, and the King of Shouguang is also finished. Although I’m still part of the Han Wang Family, those in power are no longer the former Crown Prince. Now, the one sent to manage affairs in the capital is Mei Qing, the Deputy Commander of the Tiance Guards. He met me a few days ago and told me to use our kinship with the Duke of Yingguo—what matters most is to move him with emotion and reason, not to coerce him with threats or benefits. Ignore everything else.”

Zhang Yue had heard before that such a person from the Han Wang Family had arrived in the capital. As he listened, he felt a chill in his heart. Zhu Zhan Tan had used direct persuasion coupled with behind-the-back coercion, preferring to hold people’s weaknesses to force them to obey. But this person was taking a different approach. He wasn’t worried that the scheming Zhang Fu would fall for it, but what about others? Military nobles weren’t like civil officials—they didn’t have as many tricks up their sleeves. Most of them preferred soft approaches over force!

“The Duchess of Yingguo may have driven me away back then, but without her, I’m afraid Little Jing would have had to endure a hard life with me. You two even took on the role of teaching him in place of my worthless brother… It’s too late for me to regret now, and I certainly wouldn’t have the audacity to come back and seek kinship. I just want to get away from you two and continue to take care of Little Jing… If anything happens, let him just act as if I’m not his brother!”

Wanshi Jie pretended to be tough but was actually soft-hearted. Seeing Fang Rui stand up, he bowed deeply before heading for the door. Wanshi Jie immediately became anxious and shouted, “Stop right there! Even if we’re close to Little Fang, we’re not his real brother. What’s the point of saying such disheartening things?”
Fang Rui stopped as ordered. Noticing that Zhang Yue behind him remained silent, he said without looking back, “I knew too much before, and now I have no one to rely on. Once others realize I’m useless and can’t get things done, they’ll surely not tolerate me, and it might even drag down my brother. Both of you are upright and honorable people with unlimited potential for the future. With you two looking out for me, Yi’s future will surely be bright…”
Zhang Yue wasn’t as frantic as Wanshi Jie. Over the years in his political career, he had developed the habit of being cautious everywhere, never hesitating to assume the worst about others. Although Fang Rui hadn’t turned around and he couldn’t see his expression, he could tell something was off from Fang Rui’s strange behavior. So when he saw Wanshi Jie looking at him anxiously, he remained calm.
“You don’t need to try to provoke me. Your brother is your brother, and you are you. Even in cases of treason, the law won’t arbitrarily punish people. Besides, you know we’ll all protect your brother. Fang Rui, if you’ve truly come to your senses and want to get off that ship that’s already half-sunk, then speak clearly and don’t play games hoping others will fall for it! You should know I’m not someone who goes easy on others. If you try to use your brother to pull tricks again, then just face the consequences!”
Although facing away from Zhang Yue, Fang Rui shuddered at those murderous words and deeply regretted thinking of playing hard to get earlier. Zhang Yue wasn’t Wanshi Jie—he had no doubt Zhang Yue would do what he said.
Moving his stiff legs, he turned around. Seeing Wanshi Jie’s angry face, while Zhang Yue’s expression remained unchanged, he gave up on trying to move him with emotions. Gritting his teeth, he said, “What I ask is simple. Brother Zhang, I know you’re close to the Crown Prince. If the Crown Prince succeeds in taking control of the country, your future will be bright. But what if the King of Han succeeds? I just hope you’ll think carefully. If the Crown Prince’s faction succeeds, I’ll ensure your safety; if the King of Han succeeds, I’ll ensure your future. As the saying goes, the victor takes all. In this way, we can remain invincible forever—everything depends on the Duke of Ying taking a stance.”

Zhang Yue had originally thought Fang Rui would say something, but after hearing what he said, he couldn’t help but smirk mockingly. To prevent Wan Shijie from saying something unpleasant, he reached out from behind and pressed on his left shoulder, then said calmly, “This is a serious matter. I need to think it over for a few days. Please go back first!”
Once Fang Rui left and went downstairs, he ignored Wan Shijie’s puzzled expression and quickly went to the back to set up the wooden window. Seeing two figures appear in the corner of the alley, he made a gesture at them before lowering the window.
“Yuanjie, you…”
“This man is beyond saving!”
After saying that, Zhang Yue couldn’t help but sneer. He should have known that if Fang Rui failed the imperial examinations, he would take another shortcut. Now, he wasn’t truly awakened either; instead, he was trying to play it safe by staying neutral. There’s no wall that can keep secrets in this world—how could one deceive smart people by trying to please everyone? That’s simply seeking one’s own death!