Chapter 134: The Princess Arrives

"Congratulations, Brother Xia, on securing twelfth place." Following the ceremony, Fang Xian spoke privately to Xia Zhenghong. Although Xia’s martial arts test ranking had only landed him in the top twenty, his performance in military strategy was high enough that his overall score had nearly broken into the top ten.

"I should be proud of this result, as it far exceeds my expectations. But compared to you, Brother Fang, I realize I still have much to learn and improve upon," Xia Zhenghong replied with a grave expression. He seemed to have shed his usual flighty demeanor, appearing to mature in an instant.

"Fang Xian." Once the cheering of the martial candidates subsided, Emperor Wu Qing beckoned Fang Xian forward.

"I thank Your Majesty! Ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years!" Fang Xian hurriedly stepped forward to express his gratitude. Bowing from atop the Fire King, he scanned the crowd and saw Princess Wu Qingluan on the dais, beaming at him.

"Minister Fang, you have achieved the rare feat of becoming the top scholar in both civil and military examinations—a first since the founding of this dynasty. It is a testament to your immense talent. Furthermore, your previous deed of saving the Crown Prince remains a service I have not forgotten. Go back and give thought to what position you desire—whether you wish to serve as a civil official in the court or a general in the military. Tell me your decision during the Grand Audience in three days."

It was evident that Emperor Wu Qing was in excellent spirits. Having secured such a formidable talent, he made no attempt to conceal his favoritism. By allowing Fang Xian to choose his own path as either a civil or military official, he was granting a level of privilege that no one had ever enjoyed before.

"I thank Your Majesty for your grace. I shall surely go back and consider it carefully." Princess Wu Qingluan’s heart was in her throat, fearing that Fang Xian would request her hand in marriage in front of everyone. Yet, Fang Xian remained silent on the matter, a realization that left her feeling a strange sense of loss. Although she knew Fang Xian had participated in the examinations for her sake and believed him to be a man of integrity, she could not account for the conflicting emotions stirring within her. Perhaps, she reasoned, he would submit a formal memorial tomorrow—a far more elegant and less awkward approach than a public declaration.

The imperial martial examination concluded, but Fang Xian could not return directly to his clinic; Xia Zhenghong had dragged him off to drink, insisting on inviting the other top twelve candidates as well. Xia had even generously extended an invitation to Guo Shunsheng, but upon discovering he had placed thirteenth—one spot behind Xia—Guo had let out a huff and stormed off in a fit of pique.

Initially, the other top-ranked candidates might not have bothered with an invitation from Xia, but given his close bond with Fang Xian—who was also attending—they all declined other engagements to join the celebration. Even Zhao Youzhong, despite his significant injuries, forced himself to attend. Though he harbored secret resentment toward Fang Xian for personal reasons, he did not wish to burn bridges and put on a mask of normalcy.

"Thank you all for honoring me with your presence! I won six thousand taels of silver from Guo Shunsheng in a wager, so tonight, the drinks are on me. Order whatever you like; I shall cover all expenses."

The gathering took place at the Jiaofangsi. When news reached them that the celebrated Fang Xian had arrived, the entire establishment was thrown into a frenzy. The four lead courtesans dismissed all their other patrons and gathered in the primary private suite, accompanied by a score of other performers to provide entertainment.

"Ladies, your task tonight is to serve Master Fang, our double top scholar. Know that throughout history, there has never been a man to win both titles. And he is the world's greatest physician to boot. Serve him well, and you shall want for nothing."

Xia Zhenghong directed the four legendary courtesans—Mei, Lan, Zhu, and Ju—directly to Fang Xian’s side, while assigning two courtesans to each of the other guests, supplemented by singers and dancers. Madam Qing Mei herself came out to host them, arranging fine wines and seasonal fruits, treating this group of future generals and marshals with the highest level of hospitality.

"We wish to hear Master Fang's 'Prelude to Water Melody,' ladies! Sing!" Xia Zhenghong shouted between drinks. The other candidates were already lost in the lap of luxury, being fed wine and fruit by the courtesans—a form of indulgence they rarely experienced.

Fang Xian remained restrained. He knew that drinking and listening to music were harmless, but if he were to get drunk and spend the night at the Jiaofangsi, word would reach the entire capital by tomorrow—perhaps even the Princess’s manor before the night was out.

As it turned out, his intuition was correct. Scarcely had Fang Xian and his companions entered the Jiaofangsi when Wu Lanxin received the news and rushed to find the Princess, who had just returned to her manor and was in the middle of a bath.

"Lanxin, what is the cause of this urgency?" Wu Qingluan asked, recognizing the footsteps.

"Your Highness, news has just arrived that the Princess Consort has been taken to the Jiaofangsi by those martial candidates. They say the four lead courtesans are personally attending to him, and there is talk of him staying the night!" Lanxin reported breathlessly.

"Fetch my men's attire. Have Lanxiang change into men's clothes as well; we are going to join them for a drink." After a moment of silence, Wu Qingluan gave her orders.

"As you command, Your Highness." Lanxin felt a surge of relief; with the Princess there, the Consort would surely not dare to spend the night.

"Oh? It is quite lively here tonight, isn't it?" As Fang Xian and the others were exchanging toasts, the door was suddenly pushed open. The loud voice interrupted the singing and startled everyone in the room.

"Princess... Brother Wu? Why are you here?" Recognizing the voice immediately, Fang Xian stood up. He had been about to address her by her title, but seeing her dressed in men's robes, he quickly corrected himself.

"Upon hearing that Brother Fang had topped the martial examinations, I intended to visit the clinic to offer my congratulations. Learning that you were gathered here, I decided to invite myself. I hope you gentlemen will excuse the intrusion," Wu Qingluan said, offering a fist-and-palm salute to the room.

"Ah, Brother Wu! If you are a friend of Brother Fang, then you are a friend of Xia Zhenghong. I am the host tonight—please, sit! But you have arrived late, so you must be penalized with three cups of wine!" Xia Zhenghong, who had only ever seen the Princess in female attire and was already quite intoxicated, jumped up and reached out to pull the newcomer toward the table.

"Then I thank you, Brother Xia, for the drink." Wu Qingluan remained composed, deftly sidestepping his hand and walking to sit beside Fang Xian, sharing his table.

Wu Lanxiang quickly had new cups brought and filled them for the Princess. She then took up a position beside Fang Xian to pour his wine, effectively nudging the lead courtesans aside.

"Since I have invited myself, I shall accept the penalty of three cups." Wu Qingluan drank them down in one go with a bold, heroic flair, instantly winning the admiration of the martial candidates, who erupted into cheers.