Chapter 285: He Jia

Chapter 285

As two young men full of ambition, they once faced challenges together with laughter.

But when the crucial moment arrived, he chose to retreat.

Though it was for the sake of Qi Shangshu's graying temples and the hard-earned family fortune of the Qi family, Qi Huai still felt ashamed and dared not look back as he fled in disgrace.

If only he could remain a little more composed, if only he could stay a while longer, he would see the smile on Xu Mo's face.

He would hear Xu Mo say, "Brother Qi, how could I blame you? This is my own affair. I can face danger alone, but I cannot implicate my friends."

After realizing the extraordinary identity of the person behind the exam fraud, Xu Mo had already given up on uniting a few friends.

Learning from the cautionary tale of the scapegoat, one should not act without absolute certainty and involve the innocent.

"But, elder brother, how can we confront the Fang family with our limited strength?" Jiang Sheng asked bewilderedly.

It was the formidable Fang family they were talking about.

They had forced Fang Heng to flee in a sorry state, even hiding in the borderlands, and they still didn't dare to return to confront the Fang family.

As one of the top noble families in Fengjing, with a centuries-long history dating back to the founding of the empire, they had produced four renowned generals, boasting a long list of military achievements and countless powerful connections. They could make or break the world with a wave of their hand.

Just think about how difficult it was for them to deal with the Wang and Sun families in the past.

But the Wang and Sun families were just two of the countless noble families who sought to align themselves with the Fang family.

"Yes, elder brother, do we really have the ability to confront the Fang family?" Wen Zhiyun also timidly asked. Follow the latest novels at novelhall.com

Chang Yan remained silent, one hand resting on the door frame, deep in thought about the possibilities.

From Anshui Prefecture to Fengjing, they had come a long way, from being penniless to now having some assets, appearing prosperous and beautiful on the surface. But they still belonged to the lowest rungs of society—ordinary commoners with no power, no influence, and no support.

To contend with the Fang family was nothing but a pipe dream.

Fortunately, there is always a way where there seems to be none.

"Don't forget, Fang Yuan achieved the top rank in the imperial examination," Xu Mo said lightly.

That was the only weakness he had identified after careful consideration.

Just think about the day the results were announced, even Zhao Yuan, who was usually carefree, doubted Fang Yuan's top-ranking position. Wouldn't others have doubts too?

After all, if it were so easy for anyone to give up martial pursuits and excel in literature, how could the top rank in the imperial examination be meaningful?

Geniuses who excelled in both martial arts and literature were exceedingly rare.

However, it wasn't the head of the He family but a melancholic young man with exquisite features. In the fair-skinned beauty-centric Fengjing, his slightly dark complexion appeared dull.

"Who are you, and why are you visiting the He family without reason?" The dark-skinned youth was cold and indifferent. "The head of the family is busy and has no time to see an unknown person."

It was evident that this young man from a noble family had an air of arrogance, to the point of being oblivious to the world.

Xu Mo also knew that the He clan youth could close the door at any moment, so he had to say the most crucial things in the shortest time.

"I am Xu Mo, a student from the territory of He Chengzhang, the Prefect of Anshui."

"I came today because it concerns the Fang family."

If words could cause harm, this dark-skinned youth from the He family would have spurted blood and died.

He changed his previous indifference and first looked around in panic before pulling Xu Mo into the He family and hiding in a secluded courtyard.

"You must not mention the name of the Fourth Uncle in the He family." The dark-skinned youth said nervously, "Luckily, it's me who came to send you away. If it were the head of the family, he would have beaten you to death long ago."

Xu Mo, "..."

Which noble family in Fengjing doesn't have some secrets?

Which family can be clean and pure?

The dark-skinned youth continued asking, "You came from Anshui Prefecture? Have you seen the Fourth Uncle? How is he?"

Xu Mo sighed, "The adult is doing well. He is an upright official, but it seems that he has some connection with the Fang family..."

"Hush, hush, hush." The dark-skinned youth became anxious. "Don't mention the Fang family in the He family. It's a taboo."

"But I came precisely because of the Fang family." Xu Mo innocently said, "You should have heard that Fang Yuan from the Fang family achieved the top rank in the imperial examination."

The expression on the dark-skinned youth's face turned disdainful once again, accompanied by a faint sense of disgust.

Xu Mo suppressed his emotions and spoke directly, "The Hui Yuan he took was originally mine."

The dark-skinned youth was astonished once again, his beautiful almond-shaped eyes staring directly at Xu Mo as if trying to read him, see through him, examine him closely.

"I was the top scholar of Anshui Prefecture, and I earned the Hui Yuan in this examination. But the Fang family switched the test papers. I know that there is an old grudge between your He family and the Fang family. I have no ulterior motive, I just wanted to pass on this information." Xu Mo bowed respectfully, "My message has been delivered. Farewell."

He left without even looking back.

The dark-skinned youth stood dumbfounded in the same spot, unable to regain his senses for a while.

And he claims to have no ulterior motive? Well, it's as if the abacus beads have jumped onto his face.