Chapter 159: Legends of Me Appear in the Jianghu

Apricot Blossom Hall is the largest restaurant in Chang'an; it adjoins Zhuque Avenue, separated only by a lane wall, and covers more than twenty mu. Given the sky‑high land prices on both sides of Zhuque Avenue, the person who runs this hall must be not only wealthy but also of an exceedingly lofty status.

Because it occupies a prime location, Apricot Blossom Hall has always been the spot where Chang'an's high officials and aristocrats come to drink and revel. The scenery is superb; in spring, from the upper floor one can see the courtyard full of apricot blossoms, while on the other side one can look down from a height and watch the throngs of pedestrians streaming along the wide Zhuque Avenue.

If its owner lacked any influence, it would have been seized long ago; the restaurant could not have survived to the present.

Following Fang Chongyong all the way to the entrance of Apricot Blossom Hall, Du Fu and Yuan Jie both felt a little uneasy about whether they could get in.

They knew exactly how upscale the expenses here were, even though it was their first time in Chang'an: without Fang Chongyong treating them, walking in for a meal would likely leave them scraping the floor for a living.

Yet, a short‑tongued host and a soft‑handed patron—how could this meal possibly be that delicious?

"Don't worry, it's just a meal. With someone like him present, could we possibly refuse a trip to Apricot Blossom Hall?"

Fang Chongyong waved his hand lightly and said.

Du Fu and Yuan Jie exchanged a glance and laughed silently.

Indeed, with such a super‑strong pedigree as the son of the Lingnan Military Commissioner, son‑in‑law of the Hedong Military Governor, and Shazhou Prefect who also serves as an Assistant Minister of Rites, if they still couldn't have a meal at Apricot Blossom Hall, the world would be utterly unreasonable!

Since we're here, let's eat properly and not overthink anything.

However, just as Fang Chongyong and his two companions stepped inside and were about to go upstairs, the manager of Apricot Blossom Hall hurriedly stopped them.

"Three honored guests, please wait. Today Apricot Blossom Hall has been booked exclusively by Zhang Gongzi, so we're truly sorry!"

The plump manager's words were courteous, but the meaning behind them was crystal clear!

"How audacious! The son of Zhang Shougui, the Zhang Xianggong, is not such a person! Slandering a high‑ranking minister of the court is a grave crime!"

Fang Chongyong's expression changed dramatically, from clear to stormy, and he ranted at the plump manager.

In the Tang dynasty, the term "gongzi" could not be used frivolously.

Only the son of a prime minister could be called "gongzi". If someone who isn't a prime minister's son is called that, he must immediately report the offense, apologize, and clarify; he cannot accept it brazenly.

Because Li Erfeng once said "a certain youth is a gongzi", people in this era can gauge the weight of the word "gongzi" with just a little contemplation.

That can serve as "evidence" for the Censorate to impeach an official!

"Um, the banquet upstairs… isn't the son of Zhang Shougui, the Zhang Xianggong."

The plump manager said awkwardly.

I told you so.

Fang Chongyong breathed a sigh of relief; if he really faced Zhang Shougui's son now and staged a "fight over restaurant seats" among officials, it would be quite demeaning. Moreover, his current "leveraging his father's name" move might not even match that particular Zhang official.

"Right, since he isn't Zhang Shougui's son, why call him Zhang Gongzi? The term 'gongzi' can't be used carelessly!"

A bright, teasing voice came from behind Fang Chongyong.

Turning around, the three saw a tall, broad‑shouldered young man in his twenties, only slightly shorter than Fang Chongyong. He was somewhat thin, yet his bearing was far from delicate; he wore a common blue hemp robe favored by ordinary Chang'an folk, and his palm bore thick, old calluses.

He's a seasoned Qiu Ba!

As a fellow of the same sort, Fang Chongyong made a silent judgment in his mind.

A few scholar‑type figures followed behind him, apparently accompanying him to Apricot Blossom Hall for drinks, likely his retainers.

"Ah, you two, you two.

The person who booked the upstairs is Zhang Shi—do you know him? His father is the saintly favorite minister, Censor‑in‑Chief Zhang Yi, who is about to be appointed prime minister.

He is celebrating his top rank in today's imperial examination, hosting a feast for friends. Some people are just making a living in the restaurant; flattering him with a harmless compliment and calling him Zhang Gongzi in advance—what's wrong with that?

He isn't a gongzi now, but after a while Zhang Yi, the Censor, will be appointed prime minister—so what's the problem?

The plump manager gave his reasoning.

Fang Chongyong, Du Fu and the others stared at each other; at their age, it was the first time hearing that flattery could be played like this—truly "masters among the people"?

The manager of Apricot Blossom Hall greets and sees off the various dignitaries of Chang'an, so he must be versatile; the one before them clearly has some skill.

"Lord Fang, shall we dine on the first floor instead?"

Du Fu and Yuan Jie pulled Fang Chongyong aside and said.

The words were sincere, but even though the first floor of Apricot Blossom Hall can serve meals, it clearly lacks a certain ambience.

When you go to a restaurant to eat, is it really just rice?

No—it's the mood and pleasure you're after. If you feel displeased, even identical dishes will taste like chewing wax.

Those who can dine here are people without financial worries.

The high officials, scholars and poets come here precisely to ascend upstairs, enjoy the panoramic view while composing poetry and prose, and savor the delicacies the restaurant offers.

Now that we can't go upstairs, it's like braised pork ribs without the ribs, or Kung Pao chicken without any chicken!

"You go to the Jingzhao Prefecture Office, find Zheng Shuqing and tell him there's work to be done, and then…"

Fang Chongyong said to Zhang Guangsheng, who was behind him, and the two whispered for a while.

Zhang Guangsheng took the order and left.

The plump manager, whose hearing was excellent, caught the words "Jingzhao Prefecture" faintly and, with a helpless wry smile, said: "Honored guests, I can take you to another fine restaurant; whatever the bill, it's on me. That should be enough, right? Don't go to the Jingzhao Prefecture Office to look for anyone—aside from being ineffective, you'd end up offending Censor Zhang, which would be needless trouble."

The massacre of the Xing clan had little impact among the populace, so the plump manager was still unaware of Zheng Shuqing's new nickname "the exterminator Prefect".

"Hehe! Now it's no longer a matter of dining."

Fang Chongyong gave a cold smile; he had just heard some remarkable information from the plump manager.

This year's imperial examination will be held after Ji Ge's 60th birthday; even at the earliest, it's still more than a month away. Not only are the results undecided, the list of examinees hasn't been finalized. By then, Chang'an will have some "connections" candidates who will squeeze in, and some people may be pushed out for various reasons.

Thus the problem arises.

Each year the examination admits only a handful of candidates, yet the number of "connections" applicants is unusually high. Why do these "fools", knowing their backing can't match a deeply connected official like Fang Chongyong, still resort to connections to join the fray?

Heh, if you think they're just wasting time, you're gravely mistaken!

If you fail this time, there's the next; if you fail the next, there's another. Taking the exams is like pursuing office—it gradually builds "reputation points". Even if you don't succeed, it's not a total loss.

The more exams you take, the more you can gild your face, adopt a "battle‑scarred but striving" label, and the thick‑skinned can even brand themselves as "talented yet unappreciated".

From then on, a clueless youth from Wuling in Chang'an becomes a scholar who, though still unskilled, constantly strives to learn and fight; he can even proudly don the "scholar's robes", forcefully pushing into that circle.

Although I don't pass, I keep studying (by bragging), and I take the imperial exams every year.

With little personnel turnover within the circle, even a waste like this could later earn some sympathy and thus pass the relatively easy "Mingjing Section" exam.

These pointless antics, which Fang Chongyong sees as completely useless, are for the official circles an important means to craft their image and vie for high‑status marriages.

Thus a ridiculous scene unfolded: with this year's examinations still undecided, why did that shopkeeper just now claim that Zhang Shi was here celebrating his top rank in the imperial exams?

The exams are still a month away, and you're already saying you've succeeded? Isn't that exam cheating?

But he has no obligation to do so, yet he now opens his mouth to warn the plump shopkeeper.

In less than the time an incense stick burns, Zheng Shuqing personally led a team, with a dozen or so followers behind him! Almost the entire Jingzhao Prefecture office mobilized! The group rushed into Apricot Blossom Hall in a blaze, blowing the matter wide open!

"Someone is cheating in the exams— is it true?"

Zheng Shuqing, expression unchanged, leaned toward Fang Chongyong's ear and asked in a low voice.

"They're celebrating Zhang Shi's top rank in the exams upstairs; don't ask anything, just go up and seize everyone, take them all away without leaving a single person."

"You weren't trying to break the stalemate, were you? Attacking the enemy is a necessary rescue; it can't be wrong."

Fang Chongyong continued to manipulate.

"Top rank in the exams? The test hasn't even started, how could he have won?"

Zheng Shuqing was startled, then suddenly enlightened— he hadn't expected that you actually had a big matter, which forced him to hurry!

"Men, bring everyone upstairs, regardless of who they are or their status, all back to the Jingzhao Prefecture office!

If anything goes wrong, I'll take responsibility; you have no say!"

Zheng Shuqing swept his hand dramatically, pointing at the staircase entrance to the second floor of Apricot Blossom Hall, and shouted loudly.

Old Zheng felt a surge of emotion: only now that Fang Chongyong has returned, he can truly enjoy being the Jingzhao Prefecture Magistrate, almost feeling the thrill of becoming a 'local emperor' like a powerful provincial governor!

After the Jingzhao officials and clerks went upstairs to seize people, Zheng Shuqing finally pulled Fang Chongyong aside and asked cautiously, "Did you speak with the Right Counselor last night, and how did he arrange things?"

"The Right Prime Minister didn't arrange anything, and he's quite worried about your situation."

Fang Chongyong uttered a candid truth with a bit of embellishment.

In fact, although Li Linfu was somewhat concerned about Zheng Shuqing, his worry was only that Zheng might fall too quickly; he wasn't concerned whether Zheng would live to see the end of the upcoming 'Two-Army Decisive Battle'.

However, to preserve the conversation's atmosphere and for later maneuvers, Fang Chongyong decided not to tell Zheng Shuqing the full truth.

"Ah? Then what should we do?"

Zheng Shuqing heard that and instantly became anxious.

"Don't worry, I'm here. As long as you follow my orders, I guarantee that before the Sage returns to Chang'an, your Jingzhao Prefecture office will be the most impressive in the capital's official circles."

Fang Chongyong uttered a colloquial phrase from later generations.

Zheng Shuqing was stunned for a while before vaguely grasping what the words meant.

"So, what exactly should we do?"

He asked, puzzled.

Even if we capture all those people upstairs, what then? We can't even punish them!

Fang Chongyong gave him a slight wave, then muttered for a long while, leaving Zheng Shuqing looking stunned.

"Would this be too arrogant?"

Zheng Shuqing was still a bit frightened.

Arresting Zhang Shi and his group is fine, but Fang Chongyong's method is a bit out of line.

"The Art of War says: when the enemy is strong and we are weak, we must not hold a deadlock; only by attacking in place of defending can we break them."

Fang Chongyong, expression unchanged, manipulated further.

Upon hearing this, the young man behind Fang Chongyong, whose demeanor resembled Qiu Ba, nodded thoughtfully, clearly agreeing with him.

"Zheng Shuqing! I haven't offended you, yet you keep harassing me; do you believe I'll have my grandfather impeach you?"

Being escorted downstairs, Zhang Shi erupted in curses the moment he saw Zheng Shuqing!

This isn't the first time; when he recalls the previous incident, Zhang Shi now has nightmares!

The whole Xing clan was annihilated the moment they were declared exterminated.

Suddenly, he saw the person who kept appearing in his nightmares standing beside Zheng Shuqing, and he was like a duck with its throat clamped— unable to utter a single word!

"Isn't this the infamous 'Living Extinction King' of Chang'an? Xing Zhai only teased his concubine— didn't even touch her— and the Xing clan was then wiped out!"

I've seen ruthless people, but never this ruthless!

It appears the Xing clan's extermination was because they once committed treason and engaged in piracy and murder on the Silla seas. Yet, among Chang'an's nobles, whose backside remains clean?

Who doesn't have some shady deeds behind them!

If the Sage truly pursued every case, Chang'an would already be devoid of nobles.

Why did the Xing clan avoid trouble for so long, yet on the very day Fang Chongyong arrived in Chang'an, they met disaster and were exterminated the next day?

Can events be that coincidental in the world?

Zhang Shi took several steps backward, retreating to the corner, pointing at Fang Chongyong with terror on his face!

He certainly doesn't want to become the next exterminated one!

"Don't come over!"

Zhang Shi shouted at Fang Chongyong, as if he'd seen a demon from hell.

Seeing that the 'Young Master Zhang' was so frightened he hid in the corner, Fang Chongyong was taken aback, feeling inexplicably puzzled.

"Hurry back to the office to handle the case, make it an ironclad one. You must hold firm; if you can't, seek aid from the Right Prime Minister. No matter how many arguments you make, you must not release anyone— wait for the Sage's return to Chang'an before deciding!"

"If pressed, resign and threaten! Then go to Zhongnan Mountain to plead with the Sage, claiming that officials are covering the sky with a single hand, and you dare not return, so you must retire to Zhongnan Mountain."

Fang Chongyong whispered to Zheng Shuqing in a voice so low it was almost inaudible.

"Do we need to be this ruthless?"

Zheng Shuqing was startled.

"As long as you're not afraid, the only ones who are scared are the others."

Fang Chongyong grabbed Zheng Shuqing's sleeve and tugged hard!

Old Zheng, mighty and high-spirited, led the Jingzhao Prefecture Office personnel to fall in, taking away every one of the dozen or so guests upstairs, none left behind.

Du Fu and Yuan Jie watched the whole divine battle, never finding a chance to interject.

"It's better to meet by chance than by invitation; why don't you join our table and go upstairs to feast together? We can enjoy the scenery and chat about life—how wonderful!

"This is Du Fu, courtesy name Zimei; this is Yuan Jie, courtesy name Zishan; I am Fang Chongyong, son of Fang Youde."

Hearing Fang Chongyong's invitation, the man hastily clasped his hands and said, "That's wonderful; I would not dare to refuse. I am Zhang Xiancheng, my father is Zhang Shougui."

The young man before them smiled and said.

The fat proprietor of the Apricot Flower Tower beside them was so frightened he sat down on the ground.

Just now, the false "Young Master Zhang" was taken away by the Jingzhao Prefecture Office; now this unassuming fellow is the real "Young Master Zhang."

However, Zhang Xiancheng kindly helped the fat proprietor to his feet, then brushed the dust from his clothes and said:

"I used to be a frontier garrison grunt; I've been in Chang'an less than two years, and I don't care for all those empty titles."

"Either I drink, or I kill—what does it matter whether I'm a young master or not?"

"I'll treat this meal; later I'll send someone to the Left Chancellor's residence to get the money."

Zhang Xiancheng patted the Apricot Flower Tower proprietor on the shoulder, then turned and made a "please" gesture toward Fang Chongyong.

"Brother Zimei, aren't we going upstairs yet?"

Fang Chongyong looked at Du Fu with a puzzled expression; this great poet whose verses have been passed down through the ages was now shocked to the point of numbness.

"Come on, let's go."

Yuan Jie laughed heartily, calmly took Du Fu's arm, and headed upstairs.

Fang Chongyong gave Zhang Xiancheng a meaningful glance; their eyes met, they exchanged friendly smiles, nodded slightly, and went up to the Apricot Flower Tower together.

Only the Apricot Flower Tower proprietor, who had almost pissed himself from fright, remained where he stood, disheveled in the wind.

Rush

(End of chapter)