Chapter 11: Back to being a student again

  After several big shots left the Fang Mansion, Fang Yiai followed her old father back to the study. Fang Xuanling circled around Fang Yiai twice, making Fang Yiai feel uneasy in her heart. "Father, what's wrong with me?"

  "You little scamp, I just wanted to take a good look at you, it's been years since I've really looked at you, and now you're so big all of a sudden, your father is getting old too!" Fang Xuanling slapped Fang Yiai's chest with the back of his hand, laughing and scolding. Fang Yiai felt his eyes get a little wet upon hearing his father's words, and he grasped Fang Xuanling's arm, saying emotionally: "Father, you're not old at all, don't say that again, it makes me feel uneasy!"

  Fang Xuanling saw his son's true feelings and was very pleased in his heart, but still smiled and said: "You silly boy, stop making such childish gestures. I ask you, do you understand the emperor's intention of letting you go to the Imperial Academy to study?"

  "The child doesn't quite understand, please father enlighten me." Fang Yiai indeed wasn't very clear about the reasoning behind this matter, and always felt that things weren't so simple. Logically speaking, as a young master like himself, why would Li Shimin and Li Jing both come together?

  "Jun Er, don't worry, first tell your father what you understand." Fang Xuanling said with a smile as he sat on the chair.

  "Father, I think that His Majesty letting me attend the Imperial Academy is probably to test me, and it's likely that His Majesty doesn't understand me very well. Moreover, my age is also too young. However, I really don't understand why His Majesty would be interested in someone like me, a spoiled brat. Father also knows that my reputation isn't very good."

  Fang Yiai felt embarrassed saying this, having lived in the Tang Dynasty for some time and knowing about his own past glorious deeds. The three great spoiled brats of Chang'an - Li Chongjun, Du He, and Fang Yiai - were indeed not just empty names. People feared them at the mere mention of their names.

  Fang Yiai thought about his past behavior and felt like vomiting blood. He had done all sorts of outrageous things, such as teasing widows, visiting brothels, hitting blind men, and chasing crippled people. There was nothing he didn't dare to do. The most notorious incident was when he publicly flirted with Zheng Liqian on the streets, which had spread throughout the entire city of Chang'an.

  "Haha, Jun'er, it's already not bad that you can think of these things. The emperor indeed has the intention to test you. However, there is another reason, which is that the Imperial Academy is a place where the children of our dynasty's nobles gather, meaning that the future hope of the Great Tang lies here. Entering the Imperial Academy means that one will inherit the power of the Great Tang in the future, so the emperor is also cultivating you. As long as you perform well in the Imperial Academy, when the time comes, the emperor will reward you and no one will gossip about it." Fang Xuanling explained patiently, "As for why the emperor would be interested in a young master like you, it's still because of your uncle Du. Your uncle Du has never misjudged anyone in his life, and the current emperor is also a rare sage ruler. As long as you have talent, the emperor will use you, he won't care about your previous reputation or your background."

  "Father, I still don't understand why Uncle Du values me so much?"

  "Jun Er, you should know that a person's eyes can only see others, but not themselves. You may not understand your own strengths, but your uncle and I can see them clearly. A person who creates the Chu Han Xiang Qi is not simple, right? From the Chu Han Xiang Qi, we can see your potential. And just now, His Majesty also asked you questions, and your answers surprised us all. It can be said that every word of yours contains complex military strategies, which is extremely valuable. As long as you refine it a bit, you can become a precious jade. You don't have to understand these principles, just remember to always keep your original heart." Fang Xuanling looked at Fang Yiai's puzzled expression, with a smile all over his face. Some things will never be clear, because people are not able to see themselves clearly.

  "Father, can the child go to school a bit later?" Fang Yiai took a look at this situation and knew she couldn't escape it. This school was something that had to be attended, so she could only ask reluctantly.

  "Jun Er, you must honestly go to the academy tomorrow and study hard. Don't play tricks on me, or else your father will punish you. Others can't even get this opportunity, but you're still hesitating. House Xuanling felt both love and hate for his son. He loved how he always brought surprises, but hated how stubborn and mischievous he was, not knowing what's good or bad. Going to the academy meant stepping into the core of the Tang Dynasty, but unexpectedly, this kid didn't take it seriously."

  Fang Yi Ai pouted, why did the old man always use violence on this young man, but never saw him being violent to his older brother?

  "Father, what about my martial arts training?" Fang Yiai asked with a flattering tone, this was a matter that concerned her lifelong safety after all, having good martial skills would allow her to better protect herself.

  "Jun Er, don't worry, since your father has promised you, how could I go back on my word? You just wait patiently for a few more days and there will be good news." Fang Xuanling smiled wryly, he was now somewhat at his wit's end with this second son of his, so diligent in martial arts yet fearing literature like a tiger.

  After returning to his own courtyard, Fang Yi'ai lay on the bed humming and making a face of discontent. Linglong covered her small mouth and smiled, asking: "Second Young Master, what's wrong with you? Did Grandfather scold you again?"

  "You little girl, am I, Second Master, not worthy of consideration? Hmph, from now on, your family's Second Master will go to the academy as a student. Are you envious?" Fang Yiai pulled Linglong in front of her and asked with a smile.

  "Ah? Second Master, you said the old master let you go to school at the Imperial Academy? This is a great thing! You should know that going to the Imperial Academy is something people beg for. Linglong is now very happy for the second master, what kind of place is the Imperial Academy? That's where the royal family's children study. Linglong thinks it's not bad, but Fang Yilai feels helpless, how can she, a top student from the 21st century, go and read those outdated things? Isn't that just asking for punishment?"

  The next day, Linglong woke up Fang Yilai early and even dressed him up. Fang Yilai looked at the somewhat handsome black prince in the copper mirror and muttered to himself: "Hey, I really do look a bit like a human being!" Linglong heard this and patted Fang Yilai's hand with a smile, saying: "Second Master, how can you talk about yourself like that? If the old master hears it, he'll definitely scold you." Fang Yilai thought to himself that this was indeed true. However, the old master had already gone to work on his morning shift at 5 am, while he, a young man, was still sleeping in. Fang Yilai didn't know if he was too lazy or if the Tang Dynasty's system was outdated.

  "Second brother, are you done?" House Yi'ai was still admiring himself when he heard his older brother House Yi'zhi shouting from outside. As soon as House Yi'zhi entered the room, House Yi'ai tilted his head and asked: "Big brother, why did you come to my place so early in the morning? Don't you need to go to work?"

  "Second brother, you really are... I'm asking you, do you know where the academy is located?"

  "Ah, it seems I really didn't know, big brother, you're here to show me the way? Little brother is truly grateful!" Fang Yi'ai finally understood why Fang Yi'zhi had come. It turned out that big brother was being kind-hearted. He quickly flattered him. Fang Yi'zhi saw that Fang Yi'ai was almost dressed and wanted to pull him outside, but Fang Yi'ai hastily grabbed onto Fang Yi'zhi and said: "Big brother, what's the hurry? Let me eat some breakfast!"

  "What's with breakfast? When did you start eating breakfast, Second Brother?" Fang Yi Zhi was puzzled. Since when did it become popular to eat breakfast? His own father didn't even eat breakfast before going to court.

  Fang Yi Ai made Fang Yi Zhi sit down and said to Ling Long, "Ling Long, get a bowl of soy milk for the young master too, let him enjoy it!" After saying that, she didn't care about Fang Yi Zhi's reaction and started eating her own youtiao. Fang Yi Zhi looked at the yellow-orange thing with a puzzled face and asked Ling Long, "Ling Long, what is this?"

  Ling Long put the soy milk in front of Fang Yi Zhi and explained with a smile, "Young master, that's something Second Young Master came up with, it's called youtiao. Try some and you'll know, it's crispy and fragrant, goes well with the soy milk." Fang Yi Zhi looked at Ling Long's serious expression and tried one of the youtiao, putting it in his mouth. After taking a bite, he couldn't help himself and finished the whole thing, drinking two bowls of soy milk in the process.

  After finishing breakfast, Fang Yi Zhi patted his belly and complained: "Second brother, with such good food, why didn't you tell big brother? Luckily big brother often covered for you in the past." Fang Yi Ai smiled mischievously and said: "Big brother, you never ate breakfast before, what's the point of telling you? You're used to it either way, whether you eat or not!" Fang Yi Zhi almost vomited blood after hearing this, his second brother was really lawless. Seeing Fang Yi Zhi's bitter face, Fang Yi Ai asked seriously: "Big brother, how do you feel after eating breakfast?"

  "Not bad, after finishing breakfast I feel warm all over my body, and more energetic than not eating breakfast." Fang Yi Zhi replied without thinking. Fang Yi Ai nodded and smiled: "Big brother, not eating breakfast is very bad for the body, you should eat breakfast from now on, anyway our Fang family doesn't lack this little bit of money for flour."

  Fang Yi understood that his second brother was being kind to him, and smiled as he nodded: "Second Brother, after eating your fried dough stick, I'm afraid my craving will start too. From now on, even if you don't let me eat breakfast, I'll still want to eat." Fang Yi Ai smiled and nodded, then furrowed his brow and said: "Big Brother, I think Father often doesn't eat breakfast either. If this continues, his body will deteriorate. It's better for Father to eat something before going to court in the future."

  "Uh, I'll tell Father about this, but he's getting old, and eating fried dough sticks isn't good for him, is it?" Fang Yizhi also thought that Fang Yiai made a lot of sense. Every day, he would get up early and work late without even having breakfast. Even as a young person, he found it hard to bear, let alone someone of Father's age. Fang Yiai thought for a moment and then told Linglong the recipe for pulled noodles and eight-treasure porridge. From now on, she could just have the kitchen make these dishes and send them over to Father before he went to court. Linglong listened to Fang Yiai's words and smiled as she nodded, saying: "Second Young Master, don't worry, I'll get the kitchen to make these things, and from now on, we'll send them over to Old Master before he goes to court."

  After leaving Fang Fu, Fang Yi'ai followed Fang Yizhi along the Zhuque Avenue. Fang Yizhi was very familiar with this place and soon arrived at the Taiji Palace's Yanxi Gate. Fang Yi'ai was speechless about this ancient etiquette, which was too complicated. They could have entered through the Jingfu Gate, but instead had to take a detour to the Yanxi Gate. However, Fang Yi'ai had no choice, as in ancient times, it was customary to prioritize the left side. After entering the Yanxi Gate, Fang Yizhi led Fang Yi'ai through the Fenghua Gate. The Imperial Academy was located within the Chongwen Pavilion, and Fang Yi'ai pointed at the three large characters "Shang Shu Yuan" and smiled: "Second brother, do you remember the way? Be sure to remember not to wander around randomly, this is the imperial palace, and if there's a problem, the guards won't care who you are."

  "Don't worry, big brother. I'll definitely be a good student and won't cause any trouble." Fang Yiai also knew that Fang Yizhi was telling the truth. This imperial palace wasn't a place where one could act rashly. If one wasn't careful, they would end up with swords and knives on their body.

  After Fang Yi Zhi left, Fang Yi Ai walked towards the academy with big strides. When he arrived at the entrance, he saw an old man holding a bamboo scroll and talking non-stop. The old man was speaking eloquently, but the group of young masters below him were all dozing off. Fang Yi Ai noticed that the old man hadn't noticed him, so he cleared his throat, made a bow and said: "Good day, sir! I'm Fang Yi Ai, it's my first time attending the academy, and I'm not familiar with the place yet, so I arrived a bit late. Please don't mind me!"

  The old man listened to Fang Yi'ai's words, raised his eyebrows and frowned, saying: "Oh, you are Fang Xiangye's second son Fang Jun Fang Yi'ai? Since it's your first day at the academy, I won't punish you. Remember, don't be late again! My name is Kong Yingda, just call me Mr. Kong from now on!"

  "Thank you, Mr. Kong! I'm deeply grateful and ashamed for being late. It won't happen again!" House Yi'ai bowed his head, knowing that he couldn't be impolite in front of the kind-hearted old man. Kong Yingda looked at House Yi'ai with surprise and delight, nodding his head in approval. "House Yi'ai, you're the first one among these young masters to show such good manners! Please, take a seat!"

  Fang Yi Ai listened to this and swept a glance around the entire room, seeing that the corner against the wall on the right side was empty. Fang Yi Ai quickly ran over there, this is a great spot, sleeping or dozing off without anyone bothering you.

  Fang Yu Ai sat in his seat, listening to Confucius' endless "zhēn huò zhě yě", and he almost fell asleep. Being a student in the Tang Dynasty was truly a miserable fate!