Chapter 113: Ascending the Jade Steps (Please Subscribe)

“Divine Doctor Fang tirelessly attends to the people of Wudu day and night, saving countless lives and healing the wounded. We all deeply admire him.” Even Lu Zhiyun, the Left Prime Minister who had been standing before the officials, stepped forward and respectfully cupped his hands toward Fang Xian.

“Indeed, Divine Doctor Fang provides free treatment and medicine to the poor, a noble deed far surpassing many who only put on a show. Compared to certain officials who merely occupy their posts without merit, he contributes far more to the people. Please accept my bow,” said Zou Deguang, the Censor-in-Chief, as he also approached to pay his respects.

The Censor-in-Chief was originally responsible for overseeing officials, and Zou Deguang himself came from humble origins. He despised the aristocratic officials, who merely idled away their days, lacking true skill and indulging in corruption, to the detriment of the nation and its people.

“You flatter me, honored sirs. I am simply skilled in medicine; practicing it is my duty. Moreover, as a healer, I cannot bear to see patients suffer. What I have done is but a humble matter, hardly worth mentioning,” Fang Xian replied promptly with a courteous bow.

“Divine Doctor Fang, there is no need for modesty. Not only is your medical expertise unparalleled and your fame well-known across Wudu, but your literary talent is also remarkable. Your composition of ‘Prelude to the Water Melody’ has spread throughout the land. Ranking third in the palace examination must also reflect your exceptional intellect. Taken together, you are a rare talent in our Wu Dynasty. I am sure His Majesty is already well aware of your many deeds,” said Gong Guoliang, the Right Prime Minister, as he joined the two senior ministers.

As these three top-ranking officials gathered around Fang Xian, more than a dozen high-ranking ministers, including the Six Ministries’ ministers, also approached. Earlier, most had only exchanged brief greetings, but now they surrounded Fang Xian warmly.

Whether noble or common-born officials, all came forward enthusiastically to greet Fang Xian. Some merely nodded with a smile, others exchanged a few words, and some even offered praise—each eager to forge a connection with him.

Regardless of today’s outcome before the emperor, Fang Xian was sure to enter the court of the Wu Dynasty and become their colleague. There was even a strong possibility he would be appointed head of the Imperial Medical Office, a third-rank post—a meteoric rise indeed.

“Thank you all for your kindness. I hope to receive your guidance in the future,” Fang Xian replied with humility, returning each bow. Yet, he remained equally reserved toward everyone, showing no special warmth to any particular official, hinting at a subtle pride.

“Creak…”

Before long, the Meridian Gate slowly creaked open. A eunuch dressed in crimson stood behind it and called out in a sharp voice, “The officials present themselves!”

At once, led by the Left and Right Prime Ministers and the Censor-in-Chief, the civil and military officials quickly formed two orderly lines and entered through the Meridian Gate toward the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

However, the newly minted imperial graduates like Fang Xian were not yet authorized to enter the main hall. They had to wait outside the Meridian Gate until summoned.

Fortunately, today was the day of the palace examination audience. These thirty graduates were the main focus. Less than fifteen minutes after the officials entered, the eunuch’s sharp voice sounded again: “The top thirty new imperial graduates present themselves.”

Following this, the thirty scholars lined up in order of their exam ranking and began entering the Meridian Gate. Shi Hongchang, arrogantly holding his head high, strode at the front like a peacock displaying its feathers, as if he had already secured the top spot.

“Master Fang, please,” said Xia Zhenghong, the second-ranked candidate, humbly cupping his hands to Fang Xian as he stepped forward behind Shi Hongchang.

“Master Xia, please,” Fang Xian smiled in return and followed closely behind Xia Zhenghong.

Beyond the long Meridian Gate lay a vast square in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, roughly the size of a football field, with a pathway stretching about 150 meters directly to the hall. Ahead rose over a hundred steps of jade stairs leading up to the grand entrance.

At that moment, the officials were already inside the hall. At the entrance stood a row of guards holding long halberds, led by a general clad in golden armor, who rested his hand on his sword’s hilt, vigilantly scanning the surroundings.

About fifteen minutes later, the thirty new graduates crossed the square and began ascending the towering jade stairs. The halberd-bearing guards on either side stared straight ahead, as if ignoring their presence.

Climbing over a hundred jade steps was tiring for ordinary scholars, but for a few like Fang Xian and Xia Zhenghong, who practiced martial arts, it was effortless.

Because they were close, and Fang Xian’s spiritual energy far surpassed that of an ordinary elite, he was able to sense Xia Zhenghong’s physical condition, estimating him as a second-tier expert.

Halfway up the jade stairs, Shi Hongchang was already panting heavily. He had been frequenting brothels for some time, and the courtesans had drained his vitality.

“It seems Brother Shi has been enjoying quite a few romantic encounters lately. However, one must still take care of one’s health,” Xia Zhenghong said with a soft laugh, clearly mocking Shi Hongchang.

But since they were guarded by halberd soldiers and overseen by court inspectors on the high platform, the other scholars stifled their laughter. Shi Hongchang was annoyed but powerless, merely snorting coldly.

“As a healer, allow me to offer Brother Shi some advice. Your steps are unsteady, your breath weak. Climbing these hundred-plus steps has left your legs trembling. This shows you have overindulged, exhausting your body and damaging your kidneys. If you do not moderate yourself, you may become impotent within a few years. Then, no matter how many beautiful wives and concubines you have, they will only be of benefit to other men,” Fang Xian whispered.

Though his voice was low, it resonated in the ears of the thirty scholars alone, for Fang Xian used his internal martial energy to control it. The guards some ten meters away did not hear a thing.

“Pfft…”

Finally, one scholar could not hold back a laugh, but quickly suppressed it, as the inspectors on the platform were watching closely. Discovery would spell trouble.

“Huff, huff…”

Shi Hongchang, hearing this, was both frightened and embarrassed. Panting heavily, his face flushed purple. He glared fiercely at Xia Zhenghong and Fang Xian, then at the scholars behind them. Though unsure who had laughed, he knew he was being mocked.

“Silence,” the inspector barked, urging them to quicken their pace lest His Majesty wait too long.

After this minor incident, the group hastened their steps, climbing the high jade stairs until finally standing before the Hall of Supreme Harmony. The scholars were filled with excitement; they had studied diligently for over a decade for this very day.