Chapter 87: Meeting the Emperor

Although Yang Shiqi was a cabinet minister in charge of administrative affairs, his rank was only at the fifth level, far below that of the officials in the six ministries, and even lower than those in institutions such as the Dali Temple and the Imperial Academy. Thus, compared to the grand and spacious courtyards of the Duke of Ying’s residence, his own home was merely orderly and imposing, with only twenty or thirty servants. While this was sufficient on ordinary days, it became inadequate during critical situations.

Yang Zhong rushed over to deliver news, instantly causing chaos among the people in the garden. Yet before Yang Shiqi could give any orders, dozens of men in brocade robes swarmed in through the garden gate. Trained efficiently, they quickly took control of key positions, securing the back garden tightly. Almost at the same time, a tall and robust figure appeared before everyone’s eyes and strode toward them with confident steps.

Zhang Yue immediately spotted a familiar figure behind that person, thinking how coincidental it was. Seeing Yang Shiqi and Yang Rong rushing out of the pavilion, he hurriedly followed them out and knelt down at the back, following the order.

By now, a thin layer of snow covered the ground, with more snowflakes drifting from the sky. In their haste, no one had time to put on heavy coats to protect themselves from the cold—and they feared it would be disrespectful to do so. As they knelt, the biting cold seeped up through their knees, making them shiver uncontrollably. Despite this, aside from Yang Shiqi and Yang Rong, who were used to being around the emperor, the others were extremely excited. Zhang Yue could even see someone’s hands, clenched around the cracks in the ground, trembling slightly.

“Your subjects pay their respects to the Emperor!”
“Your humble student pays his respects to the Emperor!”

Though the voices were somewhat uneven, they were loud and clear. Such voices pleased Zhu Di, who was in a good mood that day and did not scowl as he usually did when dealing with court officials. Scanning the crowd, he nodded lightly and said, “Get up. It’s snowing heavily outside; let’s talk inside the pavilion.”

The servants in the pavilion were also kneeling on the ground. When the emperor entered and waved his hand, they quietly got up. Quick-witted Yang Zhong snatched a thick fur coat from one of the servants and carefully laid it on the grand seat in the center before stepping back. Zhu Di sat down gladly and then smiled, saying, “It’s so cold, yet Yang Shiqi’s home is quite lively.”

Zhang Yue found these words ordinary, but Yang Shiqi, who knew well the emperor’s temperament, did not dare take them lightly. He quickly replied, “Mian Ren is a guest I usually can’t invite, yet today he shows up uninvited. It just so happened that several of my nephews and younger relatives were here, and in high spirits, we came to enjoy the plum blossoms and discuss literature. Who would have thought the emperor would also arrive here with the crown prince? Though the emperor is mighty and brave, this incognito visit is truly…”

“You’re in high spirits today, and so am I. That’s why I brought Zhanji out for a walk. Don’t dwell on such trivial matters. When I was in the Prince of Yan’s mansion, how many times did I not go out for inspections each day?”

Before Yang Shiqi could finish speaking, Zhu Di interrupted him with a smile and a wave of his hand. Noticing a piece of paper covered in ink on the desk, he curiously picked it up and examined it. At that moment, the scholars who had written those two poems shone with excitement, their faces filled with hope, while the others regretted it deeply—had they known the emperor would suddenly arrive, they wouldn’t have spent so much time refining their verses, missing such a great opportunity!

As Zhu Di studied the paper carefully, Zhu Zhanji, standing beside him, also peeked at it secretly. Having been loved by Zhu Di since childhood, he wasn’t afraid of criticism for such a minor matter. Though the two poems were of decent quality, they weren’t anything truly outstanding. Disappointed, he quickly turned his gaze to observe the people around. When he saw Zhang Yue, he was slightly surprised before revealing a faint smile.

“The poems are passable.”

Though it wasn’t a compliment, the two poets stepped forward and knelt in fear to express their gratitude. Yang Shiqi and Yang Rong exchanged smiles, relieved inwardly. When it came to literary talent, who could compare to the once-great Xie Jin? Yet even such a brilliant scholar died of cold in the snow. As for Zhang Yue, he had no time to worry about others’ thoughts. Realizing Zhu Zhanji recognized him and even showed some kindness, his heart skipped a beat—he knew the emperor still remembered that day.

However, Zhu Di dismissed the poem with a casual remark before pointing at the ink-stained paper and saying with a smile, “But the handwriting is quite good—round, delicate, yet with strength. It has a hint of Shen Minze’s style; clearly the result of hard study. Hmm, who transcribed these today?”

Even though he hadn’t expected this turn of events, Zhang Yue quickly stepped forward, bowed, and said, “Your Majesty, it was I who transcribed these two poems.”

Yang Rong saw Zhu Di staring thoughtfully at Zhang Yue and quickly said with a smile, “Your Majesty truly has a keen eye. Zhang Yuanjie indeed received a calligraphy invitation from Scholar Shen, and he even imitated Scholar Shen’s style by practicing calligraphy on the wall—hence his current skill.”

Zhu Di, initially thinking Zhang Yue was young, hadn’t paid much attention to him. Due to Jie Jin’s influence, he wasn’t fond of those who were born prodigies but later became arrogant because of their talent. But after Yang Rong’s words, he dismissed those concerns, thinking it was quite remarkable that someone so young could possess such perseverance.

Yang Shiqi found it amusing as Yang Rong quickly repurposed what Zhang Yue had just said. However, since he was close friends with Du Zhen, he didn’t want Yang Rong to get all the credit and added, “Your Majesty, though Zhang Yuanjie is young, he has been taught by renowned teachers since childhood. He studied under Hanlin Academician Du Yishan, and his knowledge of classics and history is quite solid.”

Zhang Yue thought of himself as quite bold, but being praised so highly by these two Yangs made his face turn red. Yet to others, this blush seemed like an act of humility. At least Zhu Di developed a fondness for talent after hearing the continuous praise from Yang Shiqi and Yang Rong. But just then, someone added another factor to the equation.

“Grandfather, you probably don’t know, but this Zhang Yue, Zhang Yuanjie, is actually the nephew of the Duke of Yingguo.”

Zhu Zhanji’s words caught Zhu Di’s attention, and he smiled as he recounted in detail the encounter they had at the Imperial Academy. Whether it was because of his excellent memory or the deep impression left by that conversation, he recited those two crucial passages almost word for word, even astonishing Zhang Yue himself.

With both close ministers and his most beloved grandson praising him highly, Zhu Di became even more convinced. He burst into laughter and said, “I asked Zhang Fu yesterday who among my nephews and grandnephews deserved favor. Who would have thought he replied that children have their own fortunes, and the younger ones still need to strive on their own. It turns out there’s such a talented nephew hidden away! Zhang Yue, get up and come here. Let me see if you really have superhuman abilities, enough to earn praise from my two Yang scholars and the crown prince.”

His words carried a hint of humor. Zhang Yue quickly stood up and stepped forward. Being in the emperor’s presence for the first time, he didn’t know how far back to stand and walked straight up to the desk. Zhu Di didn’t mind and, after examining him with interest, suddenly said something that shocked everyone present.

“Your Zhang family has always been a military family. Did you give up martial arts for literature just because it’s a peaceful era now and it’s easier to rise through the ranks as a civil official?”