Chapter 179: Dragon Martial Army Spear Officer

"In this imperial examination, the three top‑ranked jinshi are: Fang Chongyong, Cen Can, Zhang She."

"The other successful jinshi are: Yuan Jie, Du Fu, Xue Ju."

"The above six are retained as lower sages; the remaining twenty‑four do not meet the court's requirements and are eliminated! Please leave the Purple Throne Hall at once!"

"The previously issued admission list is void."

"Standing beside Li Longji, Gao Lishi shouted at the top of his lungs."

"Thirty jinshi entered an extra palace exam, twenty‑four were eliminated, leaving only six—this damn joke has gone too far!"

"The examinees in the Purple Throne Hall stared at each other, their faces showing shock, confusion, fear, relief, lingering dread, and so on; some even began to sob quietly."

"Where are the Golden Guards!"

"Gao Lishi, seeing no one willing to leave, shouted toward the hall doors. Soon, more than ten Golden Guard soldiers in shining helmets and armor rushed into the Purple Throne Hall, ready to act."

"Fang Chongyong and the other candidates who had been designated jinshi after the palace exam slipped aside, standing not far from Gao Lishi. The others were driven out of the hall by the hulking Golden Guard soldiers, leaving in a scramble."

"Well written; that's exactly what I think."

"Li Longji stepped before Fang Chongyong, punching his shoulder, and exclaimed excitedly, 'I want to give the Tibetans a good lesson. If you go to Hexi again, you will strike the Tibetans for me.'"

"After that, he went to Cen Can, offering an encouraging remark: 'I heard you served half a year at the Anxi Protectorate; indeed you have insight worthy of the long journey in office, and the top‑rank jinshi is well deserved.'"

"Finally, Li Longji approached Zhang She, nodded slightly and said, 'You are well‑versed in state affairs; what you wrote today shows genuine insight, very good.'"

"Although you are unfamiliar with the customs of the Western Regions, that is not your fault."

"For these three top‑rank jinshi candidates, Li Longji is truly satisfied, with no trace of personal favor."

"Of course, he set this question precisely to give Fang Chongyong a free pass; if Fang failed to answer, that would be a real disaster."

"Later, Li Longji went to Yuan Jie and Xue Ju, offering only a brief courtesy, his demeanor much colder than before."

"Finally, Ji Ge approached Du Fu, who was seated in a wheelchair, noticing his leg seemed broken, he frowned slightly and said nothing."

"'I have heard you possess poetic talent, but your passing this time is truly a stretch.'"

"Li Longji spoke, and Du Fu's heart suddenly rose to his throat; he hurriedly bowed with clasped hands, saying, 'Please, Your Majesty, forgive me; I cannot perform the full ceremony.'"

"'I do not blame you.'"

"Ji Ge sighed and said, 'But I must still revoke your jinshi qualification.'"

"Eh?"

"The crowd froze, unsure what Li Longji was up to. Even Gao Lishi came over, lowering his voice beside Li Longji: 'Your Majesty, the imperial examination is a great affair; changing orders from morning to evening is unacceptable.'"

"Li Longji waved his hand, signaling Gao Lishi not to speak further."

"'If we designate you a jinshi this time, might people think that a candidate who breaks a leg before entering the exam hall has a higher chance of being accepted by the court next year?'"

"Li Longji asked with a look of regret."

"Can it be put that way?"

"Fang Chongyong was stunned."

"At first the remark sounds unreasonable, yet upon reflection it does have its own logic."

"Among the six admitted, there is this year's only candidate with a broken leg."

"Does that then imply the court would grant a little sympathy to candidates who are 'disabled' or suffer 'sudden accidents'?"

"This possibility is slim, merely over‑thinking and wishful, but what if?"

"If it does help even a little and changes the final outcome, what then?"

"It must be said, there are always those who take reckless shortcuts. If next year's exam sees a flood of candidates deliberately breaking their legs to mimic Du Fu's 'character' and try their luck, the court would be in an awkward mess."

"Being mocked as the 'Lame Examination' would be the greatest farce under heaven, wouldn't it?"

"Of course, that's just Ji Ge's rhetoric; no one knows his true thoughts. On the surface, Ji Ge says exactly that, crystal clear."

"'Hmm, Golden Guard, escort this talented yet ill‑fated candidate out of the capital.'"

"Li Longji pointed at Du Fu in the wheelchair and said."

"Du Fu opened his mouth to speak, but found he could say nothing. The Tang Emperor had already spoken, indicating the matter had reached an irretrievable point."

"A Golden Guard soldier approached from a short distance, pushed Du Fu's wheelchair outward without pausing."

"Fang Chongyong thought for a moment, then said nothing at all."

"Du Fu this time appeared on the thirty‑person list because he was on Li Linfu's side and was pulled up by the powerful; the same goes for Yuan Jie."

"However, that does not mean Du Fu's own ability alone could break through without any external influence. Poetry is only a part of the examination, barely a third of it."

"Du Fu's exam strength is merely a bit higher than those riff‑raff, which does not prove he possesses governing talent, or even potential."

"The present Du Fu has not yet grasped the cruelty of 'the aristocrats' feasting while the poor starve,' still clinging to a grand Tang fantasy, unaware of common folk suffering."

"Ji Ge's method is odd, yet not entirely without reason."

"At least, removing Du Fu as a jinshi may teach future examinees to protect their legs and not entertain such perverse ideas! Remembering past events to guide the future is a kind of merit, after all."

"Fang Chongyong suppressed his urge to plead for Du Fu, and waited quietly by the side."

"Perhaps that's life—joy and sorrow swing unpredictably; one just gets used to it."

"Fang Chongyong couldn't help but let out a quiet sigh."

"…"

"'What?'"

"Wang Yunxiu's tone rose an octave, her face horrified as she stared at the black military uniform delivered by eunuchs to Xingqing Palace, feeling completely unsettled."

"'You passed as the top scholar, showed up at the palace exam, basked in glory, and this is the result?'"

"She pointed at the uniform on the desk, looking at Fang Chongyong's face and asked, 'Your Majesty bestowed this, then made you don this dog‑skin, to become a ninth‑rank spear officer in Xingqing Palace?'"

"If the outcome leaves Wang Yunxiu utterly baffled, what purpose was there in Fang Chongyong's two‑plus months of turmoil?"

"Know that Fang Chongyong once served four years as a powerful regional governor in Shazhou!"

"Even recently he held the post of Left Golden Guard Colonel! Now he runs to Xingqing Palace to be a spear officer—what's the point?"

In the Tang dynasty there was no official rank called Spear Officer; there was only the Chief of Spear below the ninth rank, usually also called "Spear". Its predecessor, the Spear Officer, had exactly the same duties, so people often mockingly called it "Spear Officer", with a slightly pejorative tone.

"It's not a Spear Officer, but the Spear Officer of the Longwu Army stationed in Xingqing Palace, guarding the Sage!"

Fang Chongyong corrected Wang Yunxiu's statement.

"Is there any difference? They're all Spear Officers anyway!"

Wang Yunxiu retorted with a speechless expression, unable to understand the nonchalance on Fang Chongyong's face.

"You don't get it; this is politics."

Fang Chongyong waved his hand and said, glancing at the Longwu Army uniform sent by the palace; indeed the fabric and pattern were exquisite, far superior to the red uniform of the Jinwu Guard!

"If you have that much leisure, you'd be better off retreating to a countryside village for three years, then applying for office through the Ministry of Personnel!"

Wang Yunxiu said irritably.

"Hey, this time you're right; indeed it's better than finding a village to hide in for three years now.

But sometimes, even if you want to hide, the Sage won't allow it."

While speaking, Fang Chongyong began changing into the Longwu Army uniform, unbothered by Wang Yunxiu's presence.

"By the way, after my shift, make a side trip to the Ten King Residence and give this packet of medicine to Prince Shou; it's for Wei Sanniang to use."

Ana Ye, who had just come in from the courtyard, thrust a large paper packet from her hand into Fang Chongyong's bosom.

"A packet that big—what if someone dies from eating it? Do you think powdered mandrake flowers are a joke?"

Fang Chongyong asked with a speechless expression.

"Oh, right, why didn't I think of that!"

"Alright, A Lang, take a portion, repackage a small packet for them, and have them take it according to my method."

I originally thought that after they couldn't finish it they'd keep the leftovers, but I didn't consider that someone might lose their mind from the medicine.

Hahaha, the main reason is I'm too lazy to repackage, plus we don't have apothecary tools at home, so it's hard to measure the dosage.

"Neglected it, neglected it."

Ana Ye touched her head and said apologetically, pretending to be embarrassed.

"I think it's you being lazy and slacking off, not your brain!"

Fang Chongyong shook his head helplessly; Ana Ye hadn't forgotten—she simply didn't want any connection with the people in the Ten King Residence, so even when Wang Yunxiu tasked her, she refused to put in effort, just thinking to brush it off casually.

If this job is done poorly, they won't ask next time—much less trouble!

A packet of powdered mandrake this large could stupefy an elephant; if Wei Sanniang accidentally overdoses, she probably won't wake up again.

Then the fun would be huge!

"Be more careful in the future."

Fang Chongyong scowled as he lectured, went to the study, divided the large packet of powder repeatedly, finally making a small packet, wrapped it in paper and kept it close to his body.

For such a trivial matter, after his shift he could just go straight to the Ten King Residence; it's not a big deal. Ana Ye's mind is now on studying medicine; she's not keen on treating patients, and her half‑hearted attitude can't be hidden.

With a nervous heart, Fang Chongyong arrived at Qinzhengwubenlou in Xingqing Palace and saw Zhang Guangsheng, dressed in Longwu Army soldier uniform, already on duty at the post!

Seeing Fang Chongyong, Zhang Guangsheng's lingering doubt seemed resolved; he gave Fang a subtle glance, indicating that he had been urgently reassigned today, moving directly from the Left Jinwu Guard's officer to a Longwu Army soldier, and had come to guard Qinzhengwubenlou.

The whole process was so swift that he completed the transfer paperwork in a daze, still completely confused.

Fang Chongyong gave Zhang Guangsheng an "OK" hand sign and proceeded to the imperial study on the second floor of Qinzhengwubenlou.

At this moment, Ji Ge was pacing back and forth inside the study, his thoughts unknown.

"Sage, the junior officer has arrived to report to the Longwu Army; please assign duties."

Fang Chongyong crossed his hands in a salute and said.

"How's it, are you getting used to this uniform yet?"

Li Longji, with his back to Fang Chongyong, stood by the railing, gazing at the scenery below, and asked.

"Replying, Sage, these are all tasks for you; there's no such thing as being accustomed or not accustomed."

Fang Chongyong said cautiously.

"The Ninth Rank officials of the Longwu Army are not court officials; they belong solely to me. Do you understand this principle?"

Li Longji said meaningfully, still with his back to Fang Chongyong, unable to see his expression.

Ji Ge wasn't bragging; the Longwu Army is his 'private guard', and he alone decides personnel appointments, which court officials cannot interfere with. So Ji Ge's claim that Fang Chongyong's position is a 'Sage's official' is indeed true.

"The junior officer understands; whatever orders the Sage gives, the junior officer will act accordingly, and will not heed others' commands."

Fang Chongyong crossed his hands in a salute and said.

"Hmm, that's the situation.

Go down to duty; from now on wherever I go, you will bring this squad of Longwu Army elite guards with you. Your squad, including yourself, is just ten people; go familiarize yourself with those new subordinates."

Li Longji didn't turn his head, raised his hand and gave a gentle wave, saying.

"There you go!"

Fang Chongyong dared not ask further, took the order and left. He thought to himself that, including himself, there were ten guards in total, making them 'Ji Ge's Ten Warriors'.

There were so many flaws that he didn't know where to start.

Early the next morning, having just finished his shift and a night‑long errand, Fang Chongyong arrived at the gate of the Ten King Residence located in the northeast of Chang'an.

After explaining his purpose to the Longwu Army comrades on guard outside, a white, plump eunuch stepped out of the Ten King Residence, looked at Fang Chongyong, and asked arrogantly, "What are you holding in your hand?"

"You aren't worthy of knowing."

Fang Chongyong said calmly, his face full of arrogance.

Unexpectedly, the white, plump eunuch didn't get angry; instead, he instantly put on a smile, pulled Fang Chongyong to a secluded spot and asked, "Does the Sage have any orders?"

"Yes, just summon Prince Shou's consort; this must be kept secret, otherwise…"

Fang Chongyong made a motion as if wiping his neck.

Seeing the eunuch not move, Fang Chongyong shouted angrily, "You're serving the Sage and still trying to take money?"

Upon hearing this, the white-fat eunuch before him finally knelt and begged, saying, "No, no, please don't tell the Holy One! I will definitely keep my mouth shut on this matter!"

"Hmm, go ahead."

Fang Chongyong said coldly, feigning dissatisfaction.

Soon, he saw Wei Sanniang walk out alone, and she bowed to him and said:

"I forgot to tell Madam Wang, but some medicines cannot be brought into the Ten Prince Manor; General, please thank Madam Wang on my behalf."

Wei Sanniang gave a light cough twice; she indeed had a cough illness, but her body looked fairly normal, and her complexion lacked the sallow yellow of someone gravely ill.

"Hmm, remember to keep this matter confidential."

Fang Chongyong nodded slightly, said, then after bowing, turned and left.

"Wait, wait."

Wei Sanniang hurriedly caught up, stuffed a sachet into Fang Chongyong's hand, and said, "Wishing you an early birth of a noble son; whenever you get married, you must invite me to attend."

After saying that, she hurried off again, disappearing at the entrance gate of the Ten Prince Manor.

"As it turns out, the surveillance at the Ten Prince Manor isn't airtight either."

Fang Chongyong turned his body, gazed from afar at the outline of the Ten Prince Manor, and said thoughtfully:

After a little probing today, he realized that although the Ten Prince Manor appeared heavily guarded, in reality many of the eunuchs and even guards inside had likely been bribed by those filial sons and grandsons of Ji Ge. Usually the gate security was lax, and inspections of items were of the "check or not check" variety.

In that light, Ji Ge's precautions against his descendants are not entirely baseless or groundless.

The immense power of imperial princes naturally checks the bureaucratic bloc. Even the most loyal ministers to the emperor would likely find it hard to consistently uphold their positions before the crown prince or even the princes.

"I have a feeling that something big is going to happen here."

Fang Chongyong let out a light sigh and said.

Ji Ge has imprisoned the princes and raises them like pigs, but who would willingly become a pig to be raised in captivity?

Where there is oppression, there will inevitably be resistance!

(End of chapter)