Chapter 108: Self-Revelation (Please Subscribe)

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However, the ancient policy exams were not about trivial matters or small issues; they often involved guidelines and policies concerning the affairs of state. These exams assessed candidates’ vision, knowledge, talent, and various comprehensive qualities. The second part of the palace exam was a policy question session. After the examiners graded the papers anonymously, they selected the top thirty candidates. Then, the emperor personally interviewed them, asking questions related to the policy test. Finally, the emperor decided the top three positions: the champion, the runner-up, and the third place.

Fang Xian not only possessed the vast knowledge accumulated from his classical studies but also carried the cultural heritage of thousands of years from the future, giving him insight far beyond his era. Thus, he was confident he could achieve excellent results in the policy exam.

Fang Xian was very low-key, yet when he came before the inspecting officials, someone recognized him: “Divine Physician Fang? Aren’t you Divine Physician Fang? Why are you taking the palace exam?”

One official had once brought his mother to Fang’s clinic for treatment and had close contact with him, so he recognized him. Initially puzzled, he scrutinized him closely, then greeted him.

Immediately, the surrounding candidates and officials all turned to look at Fang Xian. The name Divine Physician Fang had become widely known throughout Wudu, practically a household name.

Especially yesterday, when His Highness the Crown Prince recovered and returned to the Eastern Palace, Divine Physician Fang’s reputation soared to its peak. In just half a day, nearly everyone in Wudu knew that the Crown Prince, once believed to have little time left to live, had been healed by Divine Physician Fang.

“What? He’s Divine Physician Fang? Then why is he here taking the palace exam?”

“Is he really Divine Physician Fang? I heard Divine Physician Fang’s medical skills are miraculous. I thought he would be an old man with white hair, but he’s so young?”

“Maybe it’s a mistake? Even if Divine Physician Fang is young, it’s impossible for him to be taking the palace exam, right?”

The officials and candidates whispered among themselves, curiously scrutinizing Fang Xian. Some didn’t believe he was the divine physician because of his youth, while others doubted he would participate in the palace exam.

“Is your mother feeling better? Does her knee still ache in the mornings and evenings?” Fang Xian smiled as he asked. Today, he had come to take the palace exam fully prepared to reveal his identity.

“Thank you for your concern, Divine Physician Fang. After your treatment and following your prescriptions at home, my mother’s health has improved greatly. Even during rainy days, her knees no longer hurt,” the official said excitedly, as Fang Xian’s words confirmed his true identity.

“This is my palace exam certificate. I’m from Kaiyang Commandery, named Fang Xian, courtesy name Mingda. Previously, I practiced medicine under my courtesy name rather than my given name.” Fang Xian smiled and handed the certificate to the inspecting official.

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By now, all of Wudu knew of Divine Physician Fang, but most people did not know his name. Only a few knew he was called Fang Mingda. After gaining fame, everyone called him Divine Physician Fang, and few remembered the name Mingda.

“That’s right, Divine Physician Fang’s name is Fang Xian, courtesy name Mingda. He has passed the provincial exam and qualified for the palace exam. You can verify for yourselves,” the official said as he first checked the certificate and then passed it to others.

“Fang Xian… that name sounds familiar,” a candidate behind Fang suddenly spoke loudly.

More than ten days had passed since the incident at the Music Bureau. Although Fang Xian’s “Prelude to the Water Tune” had spread far and wide, not everyone remembered his name clearly.

“Isn’t Fang Xian from Kaiyang Commandery the author of ‘Prelude to the Water Tune’?” a candidate suddenly exclaimed, drawing everyone’s attention, even the officials.

“It must be him. The Music Bureau announced the author of ‘Prelude to the Water Tune’ as Fang Xian, a candidate from Kaiyang Commandery,” another candidate called out.

Seeing that the matter could no longer be concealed, Fang Xian decided to reveal the truth. He turned and cupped his hands in a respectful bow to the surrounding candidates: “I am Fang Xian of Kaiyang Commandery, courtesy name Mingda. ‘Prelude to the Water Tune’ is indeed my humble work. I look forward to your guidance, fellow candidates.”

Among candidates taking the palace exam together, they address each other as “fellow candidates.” If they studied under the same teacher, they could be called “classmates.” Hence, Fang referred to the others as “fellow candidates.”

“What? He’s the author of ‘Prelude to the Water Tune,’ Fang Xian?”

“So Fang the scholar is also Divine Physician Fang. That’s incredible.”

“Big news! Divine Physician Fang is the author of ‘Prelude to the Water Tune.’ This is astonishing!”

“We’ve all been eager to meet the author of that masterpiece, and it turns out we already have!”

“Fang has such talent but dedicates himself to healing the people at his clinic. Compared to those of us who linger by the Qingyue River’s entertainment houses, he is on an entirely different level.”

When Fang Xian admitted to being the author of “Prelude to the Water Tune,” the crowd first fell silent, then erupted into lively discussion. Officials, candidates, and onlookers alike were stunned by the news and began to talk excitedly.

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However, the vast majority held Fang Xian in respect, admiration, and praise. Of course, a small number of candidates envied him with jealousy and resentment, for whether as a divine physician or a literary genius, he had reached heights unreachable by others.

At that moment, a large group approached from the street. More than a dozen candidates surrounded a young man in splendid attire, all praising him. He was Shi Hongchang, the leading contender for the champion title.

But when they reached the back of the line, although some candidates saw them, they acted as if they did not and surged forward, leaving the group standing puzzled.

“Those people are detestable. They saw Young Master Shi arrive and then scattered. We must never associate with such people,” one candidate said coldly.

“Something must have happened up front. Otherwise, why would everyone abandon their place and rush forward?” another candidate remarked, looking toward the front.

Immediately, a candidate ran ahead to inquire, then returned excitedly: “Big news! Fang Xian, author of ‘Prelude to the Water Tune,’ has appeared—he’s all the way at the front of the line!”

“What? Fang Xian from Kaiyang Commandery is taking the palace exam?”

“He’s a formidable rival. But I believe he can’t compete with Young Master Shi.”

“Yes, yes. Fang Xian only has one work, ‘Prelude to the Water Tune,’ while Young Master Shi’s literary fame has spread across the land, reaching the emperor’s ears. How could a humble candidate from a remote countryside compare?”

Shi Hongchang was no ordinary figure. His uncle was Li Shanghua, Deputy Minister of War, and the Shi family was one of Huayang Prefecture’s foremost clans, wielding great influence in government and commerce.

“Yes, Shi’s only real competitor is Xia Zhenghong. Even Lu Rongkun is from a humble background and cannot compare to these two young masters. Watch closely—Fang Xian will achieve nothing in the palace exam.”