Chapter 69: New Year’s Eve

Spending New Year’s Eve together as a family is a long-standing tradition. Although the snowflakes falling from the sky gradually covered the ground in a white layer, as dusk approached, the mansions in Nanjing were bustling with activity. Family members scattered across the land all returned to their ancestral homes to celebrate. While reuniting with siblings meant sharing affection, they also inevitably compared their official ranks and future prospects, and many of these New Year’s Eve gatherings turned into arguments.

At that moment, two groups arrived at the magnificent gates of the British Duke’s residence. Due to the snow, both groups were traveling in sedan chairs, and when they met, the chairs came to a stop, and the people inside stepped out bowing.

The man from the left sedan chair was in his early thirties, wearing a blue silk robe embroidered with colorful patterns and a golden crown on his head. The man from the right sedan chair was only twenty-six or twenty-seven, wearing a purple gold crown, a sable fur headband adorned with gold beads, and a long robe patterned with golden herons and lotuses symbolizing prosperity. Upon seeing each other’s attire, both exchanged a glance.

“Second brother, aren’t you afraid that First Brother will call you extravagant for your outfit today?”
“Extravagant? Third brother, yours isn’t much better than mine. Besides, our father died in battle, and the three of us have served the emperor loyally. What’s wrong with dressing well? We don’t rob, steal, or oppress the people—we bought these things ourselves. Why should we worry about others’ gossip?”

Zhang Fu and Zhang Jie smiled at each other before entering proudly side by side. Rong Shan was already waiting inside with servants to take care of the horses and sedan chairs. He greeted Zhang Fu and Zhang Jie with a beaming smile. Seeing them hand over silver coins without hesitation, he quickly grabbed them and stuffed them into his pocket, then bowed gracefully to express his gratitude.

“My lords, the master and madam are in Rongying Hall, and the family banquet is ready.”

Zhang Fu waved his hand, and several young servants led a handsome boy forward. Beside Zhang Jie, there was also a boy still in his childhood. Comparing the two groups, their clothing was equally luxurious, but both carried an air of arrogance and disdain—in other words, they were both proud nobles who thought themselves superior.

“Every year it’s this reunion feast, but this time there are three younger relatives from my aunt’s side, so it’s going to be a bit livelier!” Zhang Fei glanced at Rong Shan with a forced smile, asking casually as if unconcerned, “I did meet Brother Jiu back in the day, but I don’t know those two younger ones. Rong Shan, they’ve been staying at my eldest brother’s place these days. How do you think they compare to us two?”
Rong Shan’s gaze swept over Zhang Bin and Zhang Jin, his smile growing wider. “Isn’t Second Master just joking? Young Masters Bin and Jin grew up right here in Nanjing, under top-notch upbringing. Everyone praises them! I heard that Second Master and Third Master also had sons recently—congratulations from me!”
Hearing this, Zhang Fei and Zhang Jie were very pleased and didn’t say much more. They took their sons and headed toward Rongying Hall. As they left, Rong Shan quickly ordered the servants to tidy up everything outside. Wiping the sweat from his forehead, he grabbed the hem of his robe and rushed inside, sighing repeatedly to himself.
They were all part of the same family. Their own master was extremely low-key, but why did Second Master and Third Master prefer extravagance and showiness?
Zhang Yue, Zhang Chao, and Zhang Jiu had already waited at Rongying Hall. Though they had been in Nanjing for over half a month, they had never met those two uncles before. Zhang Yue had done some research and learned that Zhang Fei was now the commander of the Shence Wei, while Zhang Jie was a deputy commander of the Jinyi Wei. Although part of the Jinyi Wei, he belonged to the imperial guard and wasn’t involved in investigations or prisons, so Zhang Fu hadn’t tried to gather information from his own younger brothers earlier.
However, once those two uncles arrived at Rongying Hall with their families, and after exchanging greetings and speaking a few words, he finally understood why Duke Yingguo Zhang Fu was somewhat distant from Zhang Fei and Zhang Jie. Compared to Zhang Fu’s simple clothes, those two were dressed in gold-threaded, brightly embroidered garments, and even Zhang Bin and Zhang Jin’s attire was luxuriously exquisite. In comparison, Zhang Jiu, who was the most lavishly dressed among the three brothers, still seemed plain by comparison.
Although he went up to greet them together with Zhang Chao and Zhang Jiu, Zhang Fei and Zhang Jie didn’t even look at them. They merely nodded briefly at Zhang Jiu without any words of concern. As soon as they sat down, they started talking loudly about food, drink, and entertainment. Zhang Fu tried to intervene a few times but then fell silent with a stern expression.

So, when it came time for the family to gather for the reunion dinner, despite the chef’s efforts in preparing one delicious dish after another, everyone barely touched their food. Even Zhang Yue, who was hungry, had no appetite—no matter who it was, having two proud little “roosters” sitting on either side, occasionally throwing disdainful looks, made it impossible to feel good. At that moment, he only wished this unbearable meal would end soon.

In fact, the New Year’s Eve reunion dinner did end quickly—after just half an hour, the dishes were cleared and tea was served. But Zhang Fu and Zhang Jue merely took a sip before excusing themselves on the pretext of having matters to attend to at home, taking their sons with them. Yet even after they left, the atmosphere in Rongying Hall remained tense, and the festive mood of New Year’s Eve was completely ruined by this meal.

Zhang Fu sighed deeply, waved his hand tiredly, and said to Zhang Jiu, “It is said that a decision has been made regarding your father’s case. There will be a resolution after the New Year, and then you and your father will be able to meet. For now, relax and avoid going out casually to prevent any further trouble.”

Hearing this, Zhang Jiu’s face turned red, and soon his eyes also reddened. He stood up from his seat, knelt in the middle, and solemnly kowtowed three times. Zhang Fu was caught off guard and froze for a moment before stepping forward to help him up. Seeing a bruise on Zhang Jiu’s forehead, he felt moved, and his earlier annoyance at Zhang Jiu’s impulsive behavior vanished.

No matter how unaware this boy was, he still showed pure filial piety toward his father. But what about him? While his brothers all had children around them, he was nearly forty with no own children—perhaps it was fate that he would not have legitimate descendants…

Zhang Yue observed Zhang Fu’s somewhat disheartened expression and was about to try to persuade him when, unexpectedly, Zhang Fu became serious and scolded Zhang Chao—mainly about making friends and associating with the right people. He also mentioned planning to incorporate Zhang Chao into the Shence Army so that he could gain merit during battles. This was Zhang Chao’s long-cherished wish, so he immediately stood up to thank him, his face beaming with joy. But when it was Zhang Yue’s turn, after some thought, Zhang Fu gave him different instructions.

“Brother Chao and Brother Jiu will go talk to your aunt. I have something to say to Brother Yue.”

As Zhang Chao and Zhang Jiu left, Zhang Yue found it inconvenient to stay seated, so he stood up. He wondered what urgent matter Zhang Fu might have to discuss. After all, since Zhang Xin’s matter had been resolved, his mission here was essentially complete. Once his uncle Zhang Xin was released from prison after the festival, he would stay for a while longer before returning to Kaifeng.

Zhang Fu seemed unsure where to start and hesitated for a while before speaking, “Brother Jiu is overly concerned, and Brother Chao has an impulsive temper. There are some matters I can’t discuss with them. Previously, Zhang Xin was in charge of river management projects. Although he himself didn’t embezzle any funds, his subordinates inevitably caused significant losses, amounting to millions of gold coins and tens of thousands of taels of silver. Although it’s not proper for your uncle to cover these losses entirely, it’s necessary to do so if we want to seek a lighter punishment.”

After hearing this, Zhang Yue’s mind became as clear as a mirror. He now understood why his family had gathered so much money before his arrival. He had thought it was meant to bribe officials, but after arriving in Nanjing, he realized the Jinyiwei couldn’t be bribed at all. With the powerful Duke of Ying present, there was no need to use money to deal with other officials. Thus, the money was clearly intended to cover potential losses or to calm things down.

“Uncle, before I came here, grandmother instructed me to follow your orders whenever money was needed. Money is just material wealth. If my uncle can stay safe, please use these two thousand taels of gold to cover the losses. If it’s not enough, the family can find another way.”

“That will be more than enough,” Zhang Fu nodded slightly before smiling. “Your auntie also left quite a bit of money and goods with me, which should be sufficient to cover the deficit. As for you, now that you have the title of xiucai, do you plan to return to Kaifeng, stay in Nanjing to see more of the world, or go to the Imperial Academy to study?”

Faced with such a sudden question, Zhang Yue was stunned. After hesitating for a long time, he finally replied, “This is a serious matter. Please allow me some time to think carefully, Uncle.”