Chapter 139: Preoccupied Thoughts

A night with gentle spring rain easily brings to mind the misty landscapes of the Jiangnan region. Amid this rain, some are already fast asleep from exhaustion, while others toss and turn in bed, lost in thought, and still others are closely embraced after passionate moments.

A candle burned on the lampstand, its faint yellow flame flickering up and down, making the white porcelain vase from the Xing kiln on the plum blossom-patterned lacquered table appear even more translucent. On the large bed carved with gold and mother-of-pearl patterns against the wall, the blue curtains had fallen to the floor, revealing two silhouettes inside and faint whispers.

“After arranging Chao Ge’er’s marriage, it’s turn for Qi Ge’er, and then our Yue’er’s. I heard the old lady has already started looking for a husband for the second daughter, but what about Yue’er’s marriage? The old lady says she needs to hear what the Duke and Duchess of Britain have to say. Today, the Duchess also mentioned to me that she and Qing Yaotou have picked out a few candidates… Such an unusual match. If only Yue’er could truly rise to high status, but if he’s meant to marry a daughter of a noble family or someone from a prominent household, I’m worried…”

“Don’t worry. Since Qing Yaotou married into the Marquis of Baoding’s household, she’s managed the household excellently. She’s very discerning when choosing people and doesn’t prioritize family background. Chao Ge’er’s future wife already has good character. As for your sister-in-law, after 20 years as head of the household, her judgment is certainly sharp. What worries me now isn’t these things, but… sigh!”

Sun Shi was startled by her husband’s deep sigh and quickly sat up, asking, “Although Beijing is good, I’m new here and don’t know anyone. Not to mention the powerful families—even among relatives, I can’t recognize most of them. If you’re worried about anything, don’t hide it from me. We only have Yue’er as a son!”

“Look how anxious you are!” Zhang Zhuo smiled bitterly as he pulled his wife into his arms before sighing again. “Your sister-in-law and Qing Yaotou have chosen several good families, especially the fourth daughter of the Meng family and the young lady from the Du family. On one hand, we know them well, and Qing Yaotou has already seen them; Yue’er has also met them twice and seems to like them. On the other hand, it’s the daughter of his teacher—like father, like daughter, she’s likely a graceful young lady. But since Lord Du has been promoted to Shandong, many things are uncertain. As for the Meng family…”

“What’s wrong with the Marquis of Baoding’s family? Won’t Qing Yaotou become the Marquess of Baoding someday?”

“Of course, there’s nothing with the Marquis of Baoding, but Meng Xian, the father of the fourth daughter of the Meng family, is the commander of the guards in Changshan. The Changshan guards serve King Zhao, and they’re renowned for their bravery even in the northern regions. Now that the King of Han has been driven to Le’an Prefecture in Shandong, King Zhao also once… Imperial affairs are always the most unpredictable. I’m afraid the Meng family might get involved in all this chaos.”
Although Lady Sun didn’t understand court affairs, she had experienced the Jingnan Campaign in her youth. Back then, the imperial army and Zhu Di’s forces fought fierce battles in the north over and over again—a memory that still made her shudder. Thinking that the crown prince had never been in good health, and considering that the crown prince heir had already been appointed, if something went wrong, it was very likely that another situation like during the Jingnan Campaign would arise. Her face turned pale instantly, and she tightly grasped her husband’s shoulders.
“If the Meng family isn’t absolutely necessary, why not just push them aside?”
“Alright, alright, I was just saying it casually. Seeing you so anxious!” Zhang Zhuo now regretted bringing up these matters and quickly changed the subject. “In a few days, we’ll be moving. I’ve already seen that courtyard. It’s not as grand as the Duke of Ying’s residence, but it was once a noble household and is larger and more spacious than our old house in Kaifeng. I’ve chosen a quiet courtyard there. When you have time, take the maids to take a look. Although there are items added by the authorities, the delicate furnishings still need to be arranged by ourselves.”
Though she still wanted to ask about her son’s marriage, since her husband seemed confident, Lady Sun felt reassured. Talking about their future residence, she frowned slightly: “My elder sister-in-law and younger sister-in-law haven’t chosen yet, and the old lady hasn’t gone to see them either. If you choose first, isn’t that disrespectful?”
“Don’t worry. There are four spacious courtyards in all directions there. I’ve had Gao Quan check out the places for the old lady and my sisters-in-law. They should have no objections. After all, our courtyard is a bit smaller but quieter, and it’s also a bit farther from the old lady’s place. You’ll understand once you see it.”
Zhang Zhuo understood why his wife was so cautious and felt a bit apologetic. After thinking for a moment, he continued, “Today, at the entrance of the imperial examination hall, someone kindly lent us two umbrellas—a noble-looking young man. I didn’t recognize him, but judging by Yue Er’s reaction, he must have met him before. I guess it’s either the Prince of Anyang or the crown prince heir. Anyway, the emperor often appoints people as he pleases, so Yue Er should pass this exam. As for me, I’ve decided that if he fails this time, he won’t take the exam again.”
“Why is that?”

“Yue has greater aptitude than I do, and even more favorable opportunities. If we happen to pass the exam together this time, that’s fine. But if not, I’ll have to delay again for three years. Even if I manage to pass later by chance, it would be inappropriate for a father’s rank to be lower than his son’s. My abilities are mediocre; if I don’t get promoted, won’t that affect him for life? I only regret not realizing this earlier. If I had understood this principle sooner, I would have preferred not to take the exam this time or ever again…”

Early the next morning, after getting up and washing up, Zhang Yue went to his parents’ room to pay his respects. He found Zhang Zhuo and Lady Sun looking somewhat listless, with dark circles under their eyes. Assuming they had spent the night together after not seeing each other for a long time, he showed a slight smile, not knowing that Zhang Zhuo had barely slept at all, and Lady Sun was also insomnia-stricken.

The family then went to visit Lady Gu, and after that, they saw Zhang Fu and Lady Wang. By the time they returned to their own room, more than half an hour had passed. A maid from the household brought breakfast, and the family ate together.

After breakfast, Zhang Yue remembered that the provincial exam was over, and with the imperial exam still at least half a month away and the results not yet announced, reviewing textbooks was useless. Having been confined in the examination hall for several days and not going outside for another half month, he thought of Du Zhen, who had gone to Shandong during his provincial exam, and decided to visit Du’s household. Zhang Zhuo had no objections, and Lady Sun was also happy, though still worried, giving him many instructions before letting him go.

Upon arriving at the stables in the southern courtyard, Zhang Yue watched as Liansheng and Lianhu led out horses when he heard someone calling his third brother. Turning around, he saw Zhang Chao arriving with his entourage. The two brothers hadn’t had much chance to talk the previous day, and now, before he could say anything, Zhang Chao walked up smilingly and, as usual, hugged his shoulders and patted them firmly. From that pat, he realized that his elder brother, having returned from Jinxiang Guard, had grown even stronger—his arms like iron bands, his hands like iron palms.

After playing around for a while, he jokingly asked Zhang Chao if he was going to visit his future brother-in-law. Unexpectedly, Zhang Chao’s expression darkened, and he shook his head, saying, “Since the marriage is already settled, it’s not appropriate for me to visit now. Previously, the Japanese pirates launched a major attack. Although we defeated them, many soldiers died in the guard units. Most of them were military households, but one of the senior officers often helped and guided me when I first arrived in Jinxiang Guard. Before he died, he asked me to deliver some things to his family, saying his mother had married off his sister, who is now in Beijing and considered a civilian household. Since I have time today, I plan to make a visit.”

Zhang Yue felt that Zhang Chao was extremely loyal and righteous. He then asked where Zhang Chao lived, learning that it was on Sishui Street, very close to Qingshui Hutong. Thinking it would be convenient, he decided to act as Zhang Chao’s guide. Along the way, Zhang Chao recounted the brutal battles against the Japanese pirates during the Jinxiang Guard’s resistance, sighing repeatedly. He spoke bitterly about how the pirates would flee when defeated, and how the Jinxiang Guard couldn’t pursue them by sea.

Zhang Yue listened attentively and couldn’t help but think that since Japan had already been at odds with the Ming Dynasty, and now that the Ming Dynasty had advanced maritime capabilities and its ships dominated the seas beyond the West, why not use them to show strength in the East as well? After all, the pirates originated from the East and harassed the Ming Dynasty’s coastal areas, making this excuse perfectly justified.

“Haimen Guard, Songmen Guard, Panshi Guard, Jinxiang Guard… Along the coasts of eastern Zhejiang and Fujian, there’s no end to the battles against these pirates, because no one knows where their small boats land. This time, after the pirates captured Songmen Guard, the emperor executed the deputy inspector of Zhejiang… In my opinion, our Jinxiang Guard has killed at least hundreds of pirates over the past year or so, but it’s only a temporary solution. Now I realize that having military strength alone is useless in battle—after all, you need to be able to reach your opponent first.”

Zhang Yue agreed wholeheartedly with Zhang Chao’s views. What surprised him even more was that his once reckless elder brother had become so composed over the past year. As they talked, they naturally moved slowly, taking about half an hour to reach Sishui Street.

Qingshui Hutong was inhabited by high-ranking officials from the Hanlin Academy and the Censorate, while Sishui Street, separated by three main streets, was originally a residential area for the poor. On both sides of the street stood utterly unsightly houses. With their low eaves and peeling paint on the gates, only a dozen or so children playing and chasing each other in the middle of the road brought a hint of liveliness to the place. But as soon as these children in old clothes saw Zhang Yue and the others, they scattered. A few idle men perched on the eaves, with their arms crossed, glanced over with interest.

Upon seeing the surroundings, Zhang Yue knew it wouldn’t be easy to find someone. He scanned the area from his horse and pointed his whip at a thin man, saying, “Come here. I have a question for you!”

The thin man immediately rushed over without hesitation, bending down respectfully like a shrimp: “Sir, are you looking for someone? I know everyone in this Sishui Street very well. As long as…”

No sooner had his word been spoken than, out of the corner of his eye, he saw the young master beside him flick his finger lightly, and a streak of silver light shot toward him. He swiftly leaped up and caught the silver light in his hand. Seeing it was a silver coin, he was overjoyed, his face filled with sycophantic smiles as he declared confidently, “Lord, whom are you looking for? Even if I have to turn this Sishui Street upside down, I will definitely help you find them!”
Seeing this, the others who were slower moved immediately began to beat their chests in frustration. But noticing that many of them carried swords at their waists, people realized they couldn’t take advantage of the situation and abandoned their unrealistic ideas.
Now that a guide had been found, Zhang Yue glanced at the several burly and strong family soldiers beside Zhang Chao and knew he didn’t need to worry about anything further. With a smile, he gave orders, said goodbye to Zhang Chao, and then led his men in the direction of the Du family’s residence.