Chapter 110: A Man of Character Must Have Power

Taipingmen Street bordered Taipingmen, leading to the back gate of the imperial city on one end and Xuanwu Lake on the other. As a result, it was always crowded with scholars and poets, as well as high-ranking officials and nobles. The street was filled with various restaurants, their callers competing to attract customers. However, since the emperor was on a northern inspection tour with a large group of civil and military officials, business was much quieter than usual, even at mealtime. Even Taiping Tower, which was usually hard to get a table in, had many seats empty now, with only half of the private rooms on the third floor reserved.

In one of the elegant seats on the third floor of Taiping Tower, facing north and offering a view of the city walls and Xuanwu Lake, a sumptuous feast was laid out—eight hot dishes and six cold dishes, along with various fresh fruits, and fine wine kept warm nearby. The two people sitting across from each other wore solemn expressions and said nothing, let alone eat or drink.

After a long while, Zhang Zhuo was the first to break the awkward silence. “I asked you to take care of Yue, but didn’t you go too far? Since he arrived in the capital, he’s met countless people—the crown prince, the emperor, the two Yang scholars… In short, countless people. He’s not even fifteen yet. Even if he passes the imperial examinations this year and next, what then? Will he be made a marquis or prime minister right away? Now, my cousin has set his eyes on him and even resorted to such despicable tactics!”

“I merely gave the crown prince a reminder that time, and when it came to the emperor, I just bribed a eunuch to say a few words. It’s still his own luck at play. I can’t force him to meet Yang Shiqi and Yang Rong.” Yuan Fang remained calm, reaching for the wine cup on the table before pulling his hand back. “As for you saying he’s being resented—those who aren’t resented are mediocre. If given a big stage, can’t he handle it? As for passing the examinations this year and next, in my view, that’s perfect.”

Seeing Zhang Zhuo about to speak, Yuan Fang spoke first. “His surname is Zhang. For the emperor, this is the most trustworthy surname, the best reason to promote him. If your elder brother’s crimes were committed by someone else, they’d have been executed a thousand times over. How many people have died in the Eastern Palace over the years? Now, it’s time for those who have always ruled tyrannically to face consequences. I’ve endured years of hardship, seizing every opportunity, and now I’ve become the commander of the Jinyiwei. If I’m not to use this power for Yue, why should I use it for others?”

“But becoming the target of everyone so young isn’t a good thing!”

“Does that mean he has to follow in your footsteps and pass the imperial examinations in his early thirties, then become a Jinshi in his forties?” Yuan Fang retorted coldly. Seeing Zhang Zhuo’s pale face, he stopped pressing further and explained calmly, “You underestimate your son Yue too much. Despite having many opportunities, if you ask the people in the capital now, how many know him? I was once worried he wouldn’t see through wealth and glory and would be obsessed with the title of Duke of Yingguo. But it was your second brother’s son who became famous, and it’s your eldest brother’s son the emperor intends to have inherit the Duke of Yingguo title.”
Zhang Zhuo was now speechless. He picked up his wine cup and drained it in one gulp, then filled it again and drank three cups in a row before finally catching his breath. With a bitter smile, he said, “You’re still the same—utterly merciless.”
“If I show you mercy, will others show you mercy?” Yuan Fang smiled faintly. He picked up a bite of cabbage from the plate in front of him but paid no attention to the other delicacies carefully prepared by the chef. “Your eldest brother used to be a vice minister of the third rank. Though he’s been demoted now, it won’t take long for him to make a comeback. Your second brother is about to reach the third rank and will thrive under Marquis Li Bin of Fengcheng. Even if you pass the examinations this time, how many years will it take you to reach a high position?”
Zhang Zhuo’s face turned slightly red. “I…”
“The reason I could become the commander of the Jinyiwei was simply because Ji Gang collapsed suddenly, all his followers were destroyed, and the emperor couldn’t find a suitable replacement right away. That’s why he chose me—a man of low status but cautious, with no connections. The Jinyiwei are the emperor’s hounds. I may be the commander now, but who knows if I’ll end up like Ji Gang someday? Nor do I know how many years I can help you and your son. You’re not cut out for the imperial examinations. I only hope you’re luckier this time. If both of you could actually become Jinshi together, it would be a wonderful story.”
“I no longer harbor such hopes.”
Though he said this, Zhang Zhuo actually hoped for it in his heart. Yuan Fang’s words were terrifying, but he knew they were the truth. The Jinyiwei might seem glorious, but all their power came from the emperor, with no real foundation. Family influence could only protect them once they truly entered officialdom, and although Yuan Fang seemed powerful, he could only help them within the limits of his authority.
There was plenty of food and drink, but neither of them showed any interest. They just tasted a little before putting down their chopsticks and wine cups. Yuan Fang asked a few questions about financial matters, and Zhang Zhuo answered them in a low voice before finally saying, “Last time when my eldest brother was imprisoned, I even gave three thousand taels of silver. Including that…”

“Your nephew Zhang Jiu is selling off properties and assets in the capital; he’ll likely repay this money when he returns. Even if he doesn’t, would I really incite you to settle accounts with your elder brother over this?” Yuan Fang shook his head gently, signaling to Zhang Zhuo that he needn’t go on, before becoming serious and earnestly warning him, “Unless he commits treason, the King of Han now has no chance of ascending to the throne, but the emperor still distrusts the crown prince. So, neither you nor your son should get too deeply involved in those political intrigues—your elder brother is a good example. I heard that Meng Xian, the commander of the guards in Changshan and brother of the Marquis of Baoding, has taken a liking to Zhang Yue and seems to be considering marriage.”

Zhang Zhuo was truly stunned upon hearing this: “How come I didn’t know?”

“You’ve just arrived; there are still many things you don’t know!” Yuan Fang frowned, somewhat helplessly. “Your elder brother’s daughter marrying the young marquis of Baoding is indeed a perfect match, but because of Meng Xian, half of the Baoding family might end up siding with the King of Zhao. The King of Zhao has never been peaceful and has slandered the crown prince time and again. If he harbors further ambitions…”

Listening to Yuan Fang explain the intricate web of interests, Zhang Zhuo felt overwhelmed. Back in Nanjing, he had focused solely on studying at the Imperial Academy, and in Kaifeng, he hadn’t been involved in major affairs—how could he have known such connections existed? Though he had always hoped Zhang Yue would achieve greatness and bring honor to the family, the complexity of the current situation nearly made him give up.

“Anyway, don’t be too fixated on family status when it comes to Zhang Yue’s marriage. People from overly noble families can be difficult to get along with as wives. Whether it’s the wife of the Duke of Ying or someone chosen by your own daughter, you need to consider carefully. It might be wise to ask your son’s opinion. After all, she will be his legitimate wife and the head of the household—virtue is of utmost importance. If you need anything in the future, go to Dade Silk Shop. In an emergency, draw a circle on the wall opposite the Northern Pacification Office with chalk, and I’ll get in touch with you. Remember, a man can’t go a day without power—don’t forget those old days!”

Zhang Zhuo had no appetite at all during this meal; at least half of his confidence and enthusiasm from arriving in the capital had vanished. It was still early when he went downstairs, and he met up with his two attendants. He had initially planned to visit the Du family, but remembering that Du Zhen had already gone on the northern inspection tour, he abandoned the idea and ordered the coachman to return to the Duke of Ying’s residence.

After the carriage stopped at the west corner gate of the British mansion, he bent down to get out, only to find a group of people surrounding a heated sedan chair that had also stopped in front of the gate. A noblewoman with thick makeup on her face got out of it. He vaguely recognized her face, and it wasn’t until the doorkeeper stepped forward to pay respects and called her “Second Madam” that he realized she was Zhang Rui’s wife, his second sister-in-law.

Since they were strangers, he hesitated for a moment before deciding not to go up and greet her, allowing her party to enter first. Watching Zhang Rui’s wife board the sedan chair and head toward the Inner Court Gate, he then stepped up the steps and entered. Several doorkeepers quickly came forward—some to help take care of the carriage, others to pay their respects. The butler, who had just seen Zhang Rui’s wife off, immediately turned around to greet him.

“Was that Second Sister-in-law Rui just now?”
“Yes, it was the Second Madam. She rarely comes here even once a month, so it’s surprising she’s in such high spirits today.” The butler wasn’t usually talkative, but since Zhang Zhuo had asked, he couldn’t help but say a bit more. “Just now, the Second Madam also asked me about Young Master Yue’s birth date and zodiac details—probably thinking of arranging some marriage for him.”

Under normal circumstances, it wouldn’t have mattered, but after hearing Yuan Fang’s words that day, Zhang Zhuo was extremely cautious about his son’s marriage. Though he felt displeased, he didn’t show it and instead went straight back to Fangheng Courtyard.

Ever since he saw that notice in his father’s room, Zhang Yue had been preoccupied with various things that had happened since arriving in the capital. Even his usual effective method of practicing calligraphy to calm his mind no longer worked. Then, Qiuhen lifted the curtain and reported that Zhang Zhuo had returned. He instinctively stood up to go outside, but stopped at the door.

What could he ask? Could he simply go back and ask his father again if he had any connections with the head of the Jinyiwei?

So, Zhang Yue hesitantly went back and sat down at his desk to practice calligraphy again. Yet, he managed to write only a few sheets before someone else lifted the curtain and entered. Looking up, he saw his father, Zhang Zhuo, and quickly stood up.

Zhang Zhuo glanced at the stack of paper on the desk, picked it up casually to browse through it, then put it down. After a brief pause, he asked Zhang Yue about his recent meeting with Lady Wang. After learning about the arrangements, he nodded and said, “Your aunt is thinking of us—her arrangements are indeed thorough. Hmm… Yue, you’ll take the provincial exams in August. Study hard these few months and try to stay indoors as much as possible, understand?”

Zhang Yue was puzzled upon hearing this. Aside from that time when he was too prominent and followed Du Zhen’s advice to stay indoors and study, he went out almost every day, either to meet friends or visit teachers. Zhang Fu, the Duke of Ying, had strongly advised him to stay in Nanjing so that he could make more friends, which would help him in his future career, thus encouraging him to be more active outside. Zhang Zhuo had originally agreed with this, so why did he suddenly say such things now?
“Now that the emperor is on a northern tour and the crown prince is acting as regent, it’s inevitable that villains will try to cause trouble. In any case, it’s better to avoid trouble. Once we move out, you can just stay indoors and study.”