Chapter 109: The Palace Examination Begins (Please Subscribe)

"There is one more piece of news," the scholar who had been gathering information said, catching his breath before dropping a bombshell. "Fang Xian, styled Mingda, is none other than the miraculous Doctor Fang who cured the Crown Prince of his consumption."

"What? The author of 'Water Melody,' Fang Xian, is also the legendary Doctor Fang of the World's First Medical Clinic?" Shi Hongchang’s face turned pale instantly. He grabbed the man by the collar and demanded, "Are you sure?"

If Fang Xian were merely a scholar of humble origins rising to fame on the strength of his poem, he would pose little threat to Shi’s status as the top candidate. But if Fang Xian was also the widely renowned Doctor Fang, then his success in treating the Crown Prince alone would be enough to earn him the Emperor's highest favor.

"It’s true! Everyone is talking about it. Among the officials checking the credentials, one of them had actually taken his mother to see Doctor Fang, and he was the one who recognized him," the scholar stammered, his face drained of color.

"Hmph, so what if he’s a miracle doctor? To each his own profession. Medical skill does not equate to the ability to govern. Surely he can’t rely on medicine to pass the imperial examinations and become the top scholar!" Shi Hongchang let go of the man, his expression shifting rapidly before he spoke with cold disdain.

Soon, Fang Xian passed the inspection and entered the Imperial Academy. The remaining scholars resumed their line, but their minds were in turmoil, still reeling from what they had just witnessed.

Suddenly, a group of elegantly dressed scholars surged forward, bypassing the queue entirely. Some of the waiting scholars began to protest, but one from the group shouted, "You paupers, open your eyes! This is Master Shi. Do you really expect him to stand in line with the likes of you?"

"And what of Master Shi? Even Master Fang is waiting in line just like the rest of us. Is Master Shi perhaps even more accomplished than Master Fang?" one of the scholars, proud and indignant, retorted.

"Hmph, what is Fang Xian? Just another pauper like you! How could he possibly compare to Master Shi?" a sycophant at Shi’s side sneered.

"You scoundrel! How dare you speak like that? Doctor Fang saved the Crown Prince! How can a lowly dog like you slander him?" The man’s words triggered a wave of public outrage. Many scholars began to shout in anger, and even the nearby commoners joined in the condemnation.

"What is all this shouting about? Get to the back of the line! If there is any more commotion, you will be disqualified from the palace examination," an official barked as he approached, his face grim. The group of scholars paled instantly.

"Sir, could you please allow Master Shi to enter first?" one of the scholars whispered.

"He isn't even the top scholar yet and he’s already acting so entitled? Everyone here is a candidate for the palace examination, a pillar of the nation. There is no distinction of rank here; otherwise, what is the point of order? If you want to take the exam, go to the back of the line. If not, get out of here," the inspector retorted, glaring at Shi Hongchang’s group.

This official happened to be one of those who had benefited from Fang Xian’s medical aid. Hearing someone slander his benefactor, he was in no mood for pleasantries. The other officials also looked upon these aristocratic youths with contempt, and no one came to their defense.

"Hmph, we shall see," Shi Hongchang muttered, his eyes cold. He had not expected the Ministry of Rites officials to show him no face at all. He shot the inspector a venomous glare before slinking off to the back of the line.

Once inside the Imperial Academy, Fang Xian was politely guided by an official to his examination cell. This area, known as the Tribute Hall, consisted of small, independent rooms, each about five square meters. Inside was a desk with the four treasures of the study and an oil lamp on the wall.

Behind where Fang Xian sat was a platform about two meters long and one meter wide, intended for the candidate to rest. Because some exams lasted several days, candidates lived and ate in these cells, and a covered chamber pot was tucked into the space beneath the platform.

The palace examination was only one day long, but it lasted from dawn until dusk, necessitating a midday break. In ancient exams, candidates were strictly forbidden from submitting their papers early; they had to remain until evening to exit.

Fang Xian sat quietly, silently circulating the Myriad Stars Technique. Cultivation could not only improve his strength but also maintain his vigor, so he practiced whenever he had a spare moment. The beauty of the Myriad Stars Technique was that it could be practiced anywhere, and it continuously refined the body without limits or bottlenecks.

Half an hour later, all the candidates had entered the examination hall. The chief examiner and the proctors took their places. As the Ministry of Rites officials began distributing the test papers, the examiners could not help but cast curious glances toward Fang Xian.

By now, the news of his identity had spread. Whether as the author of "Water Melody" or the renowned Doctor Fang, he was a man of sufficient interest to command the attention of the examiners.

The news had reached many ears—from Emperor Wuqing and the Eastern Palace to government offices, the Music Bureau, the brothels along the Qingyue River, the Imperial Medical Institute, and the World's First Medical Clinic.

"What? Fang Xian is the miracle doctor? And he wrote 'Water Melody'?" Emperor Wuqing, who had been meeting with Princess Wu Qingluan, was stunned when Zhang Zhili entered with the report.

"Yes, it was I who helped send that masterpiece to the Music Bureau to be sung," Wu Qingluan said with a smile.

"You two are that close?" the Emperor asked, suspicious.

"Doctor Fang saved Yunxiao’s life; what is a small favor like that in comparison?" Wu Qingluan replied, her expression unruffled. The Emperor was half-convinced, never suspecting that the Princess had long since been won over by Fang Xian.

"So, my benefactor is the famous scholar Fang Xian. This is quite unexpected. In that case, I can ask Father to grant him a good position to repay his kindness," Wu Yunxiao thought to himself, stunned by the news.

"Unbelievable! To think Doctor Fang is also a candidate in the palace examination and the author of a masterpiece like 'Water Melody.' It is truly admirable," exclaimed Situ Xun at the Imperial Medical Institute. Having been restored to his post, he and the other physicians were studying Fang Xian’s prescriptions when they heard the news, and they were filled with profound respect. These physicians were, at heart, men of letters, and their admiration for Fang Xian only deepened.

"What? Brother Fang is that Fang Xian? The one who wrote 'Water Melody'?" At the clinic, Situ Yan was both shocked and exhilarated. When her maids had first copied the poem for her, she had daydreamed about meeting the brilliant scholar, only to feel a pang of disappointment that it wasn't her Brother Fang. Now, realizing they were the same person, a wave of long-suppressed emotions flooded her heart.