Chapter 59: New Environment, New Starting Point

After drifting on the river for half a month, what Zhang Yue found most unbearable was the inability to take baths. Naturally, their luggage was limited, so they couldn’t change clothes or wash them daily, let alone do so every day. Now, soaking in comfortably warm water, he didn’t want to move even a finger. In fact, he didn’t need to move at all—everything was taken care of for him.
“Young master, have some rose syrup to refresh yourself. It was just delivered from outside.”
He merely opened his mouth slightly, and a cool liquid slid down his throat, instantly relieving the dryness he had felt. The pressure and technique of the massage on his back were just right, seemingly squeezing out all the fatigue from sitting on the boat for so long. With no strength left and no urge for anything fanciful, he had no need to worry at all. So, he lazily leaned against the edge of the tub and fell into a doze.
In a half-awake state, he let others change him into white satin undergarments, and then, still dazed, he was fed two pieces of pastries before falling asleep as soon as he lay down.
Since Amber and Qiuhen were also bathing and changing clothes at the moment, it was Xi Yu who had just brought in two maids to serve him. After working hard, they were both sweating profusely. Seeing their new master fall asleep instantly on the bed, and recalling the scene from earlier when they helped him bathe, they exchanged glances.
“This Young Master Yue doesn’t seem to be lustful at all.”
“He’s not just not lustful—he’s like a wooden statue. Did he even glance at you while you were serving him?”
“Could it be that those who served him before were all beauties?”
“Shh, be quiet! Someone’s coming in!”
The two maids stopped talking and turned their heads. Outside, two more maids entered. The one in front wore a light green silk jacket, had fair skin, and a kind smile; the one behind wore a pure white shirt, exuding a soothing, gentle silence. At just one glance, the two maids inside the room couldn’t help but admire them, thinking that although Young Master Yue came from the third branch of the Zhang family, the people around him were by no means inferior.
“Are those Sister Qiuhen and Sister Amber?”

Qiuhen and Hupo had just finished bathing and changing clothes. With their faces bare and hair still damp from the shower, hanging over their shoulders, they exuded a delicate beauty akin to a pure lotus flower. When the two maids came to pay their respects, Qiuhen hurried over to ask their names. Learning that they had just served Zhang Yue in his bath, she apologized repeatedly out of gratitude. She then glanced at the bed and habitually adjusted the covers for him. Meanwhile, Hupo was preoccupied, thinking about the two thousand taels of gold that had just been delivered to the accounting office.

After a long journey, it wasn’t just Zhang Yue who fell asleep immediately. Whether it was Zhang Chao, who was curious about his new surroundings, or Zhang Jiu, who was worried about his father, everyone had a good night’s sleep after bathing. When the three brothers reunited at the third hour of the Xin period, they all looked energetic. Seizing the opportunity, Zhang Yue pulled Zhang Jiu aside and gave him serious instructions, even bringing up his grandmother as an example.

Normally, Zhang Jiu wouldn’t listen to such things, but after encountering some resistance from Lady Wang earlier, along with strict warnings from Lady Gu and Lady Feng before leaving, he reluctantly agreed, saying he would never act rashly again.

In wealthy families, it’s customary not to talk while eating, but this rule depends on the situation. For example, during a festive occasion like “Colorful Clothes to Amuse the Parents,” staying silent would ruin the mood. That night, Duke Yingguo Zhang Fu had no intention of discussing serious matters during dinner. So, although dishes were served one after another, there was complete silence as they were brought in. Zhang Yue also tried his best to be careful, fearing that a careless movement of his chopsticks might cause clinking noises, which would be embarrassing.

In a daze, he suddenly felt as if he were Lin Daiyu entering the Jia family for the first time—after all, he had come from Kaifeng to the Duke Yingguo’s mansion in Nanjing, just like Lin Daiyu seeking refuge with relatives.

After finishing a meal that lacked any flavor, maids brought tea and washbasins. Everyone rinsed their mouths and then each took a cup of tea. It was then that Duke Yingguo Zhang Fu spoke up, asking only if Lady Gu was well, whether floods over the years had threatened the Zhang family’s estate, and how the crops were doing—without mentioning this incident at all. Seeing this, Zhang Yue also avoided discussing serious matters. He took the chance to present Lady Gu’s handwritten letter with both hands before stepping back and sitting down.

Zhang Fu didn’t rush to read the letter. Instead, he gazed at Zhang Yue thoughtfully for a while before finally breaking the seal and taking out the letter from the envelope. After reading a few lines, he realized that Rong Shan had indeed been right—this seemingly unremarkable nephew was indeed the most capable of the three. Seeing the familiar handwriting of the Gu family on the letter and reflecting on its seemingly calm yet actually desolate tone, he unconsciously remembered the family’s utter panic and anger when his father died in battle.

He quickly set such emotions aside and then said, “My aunt has been kind to me in the past. Even if she doesn’t give me any instructions, I will still do my best. Brother Jiu, don’t rush regarding your father’s affairs. Stay at home these days and don’t go out carelessly—some things are better left unsaid. Brother Chao, your father wants me to secure a position for you in the army. I will take you to meet a few colleagues later; they are experienced military officers who can help you. Be diligent. Brother Yue…”

Recalling the additional instructions in the letter, Zhang Fu grew more cautious. With a smile, he stood up and said, “My aunt said she has a message for you. Come with me to the study.”

Zhang Yue was slightly surprised, wondering when his grandmother had a message for him. But then he realized what was going on and quickly stood up as well. Before leaving, he gave his brothers Zhang Chao and Zhang Jiu a warning look, urging them to go back and rest quietly and not make any noise again. Then he followed Zhang Fu out of the main house.

Madam Wang’s main house was located to the left of the Inner Court Gate, while Zhang Fu’s study was to the right. Following Zhang Fu, Zhang Yue passed through the east-west corridors and north-south passages, as well as the west corner gate and the back corridor. Along the way, there were lights everywhere, and he occasionally encountered maids and servants. Everyone quietly stepped aside to bow without approaching rashly. Since Zhang Fu remained silent the whole time, Zhang Yue found it extremely boring to follow behind, so he began to think about other things.

Having come to Nanjing by chance this time, while it was true that he should do his best for his uncle’s sake, should he not also take the time to visit Mr. Du? He wondered what position Mr. Du had obtained after being summoned to the capital and whether his situation was good or not now…

Once he followed Zhang Fu into the inner study, Zhang Yue was stunned by what he saw inside. Whether it was maps filling the room, military treatises everywhere, or even herbs and orchids everywhere… it was still more normal than the eerie sight of empty bookshelves on all four walls with only two mats on the wooden floor. What surprised him even more was that Zhang Fu sat cross-legged on one of the mats and, without any pretense, waved at him, signaling him to sit across from him.

“Your auntie praised you in her letter as exceptionally intelligent, describing you as the greatest talent of the third generation of the Zhang family. When Peng Shisan returned, he also mentioned your courage in the face of danger and your commanding presence. Given that, I won’t hide anything from you. Your uncle has simply suffered as a collateral victim this time. His life isn’t in danger, but his career is likely to be delayed for a while. It was actually me who recommended him to the King of Han out of camaraderie back then… Corruption—these days, even an honest official can be found guilty of it by the Jinyiwei!”

At that moment, Zhang Yue took a deep breath. He vaguely remembered that the status of military officials and imperial relatives reached its peak during the Yongle era, gradually declining during the Renxuan era, and further weakening after the Tumu Fort Incident under Emperor Yingzong. The root cause was, in fact, the same as before. Yet, though Zhang Fu put it so simply, it still seemed a bit suspicious to him, but he didn’t dare ask too many questions.

A new environment, a new beginning—from Kaifeng to Nanjing, now he had to get familiar with a new surroundings again.