Chapter 311: Father Gains Honor Through Son; Mutual Benefits

Since Nanjing was still the imperial capital, the five hundred soldiers from the capital garrison, though dispatched by imperial order, still had to undergo thorough inspections. It was only after Zhang Yue and Lu Feng met with the crown prince and the crown prince heir that Captain Zhou Bailing led his troops into the city through Jinchuan Gate. Naturally, they seized a wealthy household’s mansion as their headquarters. Once settled, Lu Feng took Zhang Yue to the study in the mansion to continue their unfinished conversation from the ship.

“Lord Zhang, to speak frankly, we share a life-saving bond, so I’ll cut through the nonsense. After the New Year, I’ll be appointed to oversee the Eastern Investigation Bureau. Though my rank may not rise further, it’s a powerful institution—even the once-mighty Jinyiwei will have to obey my orders. As an eunuch, I’ve reached the pinnacle of my career; I have no other ambitions except for a peaceful life.”

“I know the crown prince heir holds you in high regard. Since he and the crown prince are one, your prosperity will last forever. I only hope you’ll speak well of me before him. In the future, we can support each other—once I take control of the Eastern Bureau, I’ll surely restrain the Jinyiwei and prevent them from reporting anything unfavorable about you.”

“Don’t worry. Mu Ning, the commander of the Jinyiwei’s Northern Garrison, will be transferred to the Eastern Bureau as the chief executioner. He’s already pledged loyalty to me secretly. Besides, I’ve had my ways in the palace all these years… What if we recruit people from the martial world to strengthen our ranks, instead of relying solely on the Jinyiwei’s information networks? Good—I’ll order someone to handle this as soon as I return. No wonder the emperor values you so much. I’ve been thinking of ways for a while, but I never came up with this… Hmm, truly an excellent idea!”

“From now on, we’re on the same side—feel free to speak openly. Don’t worry about this matter. With me here, I’ll ensure everything goes smoothly, so you can get promoted in the end, right?”

After this heartfelt conversation, Lu Feng got the response he desired, and Zhang Yue found the ideal temporary ally—both were overjoyed. However, Zhang Yue had planned to visit his parents before officially taking on his duties. But when he went to the Jiangning County government with Liansheng and Lianhu, the clerk delivered news that shocked him greatly.

“Lord Zhang, your father is no longer the magistrate of Jiangning County.”

Seeing Zhang Yue’s darkened expression, the servant became alert, realizing that his sudden remark might have stunned him. He quickly slapped himself on the mouth and apologized with a smile, saying, “My mouth really doesn’t know how to speak properly. Lord Zhang has been promoted; of course, such a small county office can’t accommodate him. Just a few days ago, Lord Zhang was promoted to the position of Governor of Ying Tianfu at the fifth rank, and he moved out this very morning! To tell you the truth, Lord Zhang is truly blessed with double good fortune this time…”

Governor of Ying Tianfu? Upon learning that his father had been promoted, Zhang Yue asked for the address and lost interest in listening to the servant’s rambling. He turned his horse around and rushed away, his mind clear as glass. Although the saying “a son rises with his father” is deeply ingrained, there is another common saying in the official world: “a father rises with his son.” In the past, Zheng Heng was granted the title of Marquis of Wu’an for his contributions during the Jingnan Campaign, and his father Zheng Yong received the same title and salary as Zheng Heng. People at the time said Zheng Yong was very lucky. Now that his son had been promoted, Zhang Zhuo naturally couldn’t remain just a seventh-rank county magistrate.

Although the Ying Tianfu government office was large, since Zhang Zhuo had taken office late, all the rooms were already occupied. After discussing it with Lady Sun, they decided to wait until Hongluan finished her postpartum period before moving back to the mansion on Hubu Street, adjacent to the former residence of the Duke of Ying. In the world of officials, nothing stays hidden for long. With his promotion, everyone now knew he had a prominent cousin and a capable son, and the threshold was almost crushed under the influx of guests. That evening, Hubu Street was bustling with traffic, with many carriages and sedan chairs parked along the walls—even busier than when the Duke of Ying, Zhang Fu, was still alive.

“Congratulations, Lord Zhang! Not only have you been promoted, but your son has also reached one month old—what a truly auspicious sign!”

“In ancient times, Jiang Taigong met King Wen at the age of eighty. Lord Zhang is still in his prime, so his future is even more promising!”

“I heard your son has arrived in the capital. Now your family can be reunited!”

Although Zhang Zhuo wasn’t bad at dealing with people, the sudden good fortune and endless flattery were overwhelming for him. It wasn’t until a messenger announced that Duke Cheng, Zhu Yong, had come in person to offer his congratulations that the guests around him stepped aside. Managing to free himself, he quickly adjusted his clothes and went to the door to greet him.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Zhang Yue was about to invite Zhu Yong inside when the latter waved his hand smilingly and said, “I happened to be passing by to offer my congratulations and gifts. Besides mine, there’s also one from the Duke of Britain, so I had to make this stop. As for staying, better not. If I sit in there, I’m afraid the others won’t be able to enjoy the meal properly. It’s better not to cause trouble.”
No sooner had he finished speaking than Zhu Yong heard the sound of horse hooves outside. Turning his head, he saw three riders speeding toward them. Upon closer inspection, he immediately recognized the man who reined in his horse and jumped down, and he laughed. “Never mind. It’s just so coincidental today. Since your son has sneaked back to see you, what more do I have to say? Well… those who come to offer congratulations usually want to build relationships with your family. I’m too lazy to deal with them. Take me to the study; I’ll meet your son later.”
During his time as an official in Nanjing, Zhang Zhuo had relied heavily on Zhu Yong, the Duke of Cheng, for support. He knew that this duke with his red face and thick beard was a straightforward and bold man who enjoyed associating with scholars but disdained those who fawned on the powerful. Although he saw Zhang Yue at that moment, he suppressed his concern for his son and personally escorted Zhu Yong away, then ordered his servants to serve him well without neglect. When he returned to the front yard, he immediately saw Zhang Yue surrounded by people like stars around the moon.
There are those in this world who will do anything for fame, while others are more interested in a career in government. The guests at Zhang’s house today clearly belonged to the latter group. Thus, Zhang Yue, the main figure, was even more prominent than Zhang Zhuo. Although court officials were generally of lower rank than local governors, their favor was beyond what local officials could attain. Moreover, it was unprecedented for someone so young to rise to the fifth rank. Seeing Zhang Yue treat everyone politely and equally, many people secretly admired him.
It wasn’t until Zhang Yue entered the house that he learned they were holding his younger brother’s full-month celebration. Though he didn’t know if there had been a grand celebration for his own full month, his sister Zhang Jing’s full-month ceremony had passed quietly amid a family crisis. It was clear that without his and his father’s successive promotions, a minor son’s full-month celebration would have been unremarkable, never as lively as it was today with so many guests.
“Yue-er.”

Despite the noisy crowd around him, Zhang Yue still heard his father’s call and quickly apologized to those around him. He pushed his way through the crowd and saw Zhang Zhuo standing under the porch. He stepped forward in a few strides to pay his respects, but before he could bow, he was pulled up. Although the father and son had always been close, seeing Zhang Zhuo’s evident joy and relief still made his heart warm.

With so many guests present, Zhang Zhuo couldn’t leave them behind to talk to his son alone. After smiling at him for a while, he said, “I’m here. Duke Cheng is waiting for you in his study. Go see him first, then go to the neighboring courtyard to meet your mother and wife. Remember to change into something festive. These casual clothes you’re wearing are fine for everyday, but they look too plain today. Even if it’s not for your brother, do it for yourself.”

When he dismounted outside earlier, Zhang Yue had already seen Duke Cheng, Zhu Yong. Now realizing that the latter wasn’t there solely to offer congratulations, he couldn’t help but smirk thoughtfully. Even though he was now very influential, the esteemed Duke Cheng wouldn’t bother with such a trivial matter. Thus, the reason for his visit became obvious.

The Zhang family’s residence wasn’t particularly large, but since it had once been connected to the former Duke of Ying’s mansion, the side door led directly to the east courtyard of the Duke of Ying’s estate, which was also used to accommodate guests today. Lin Shan, the steward of the Duke’s mansion, had brought many servants to help out. So, the study mentioned by Zhang Zhuo wasn’t anywhere else but Zhang Fu’s outer study in the Duke’s mansion.

Zhang Yue naturally had deep memories of this place, where Zhang Fu had first met him. Upon entering, he saw Zhu Yong sitting cross-legged on the mat where Zhang Fu used to sit, and he immediately felt a strange sense of connection. Back then, as a newcomer, he had gained the trust of the powerful Zhang Fu from this very place. Without that connection, he would never have made it this far.

“It seems you’re quite familiar with this place, young nephew?” Zhu Yong, holding a cup of tea, noticed Zhang Yue’s somewhat peculiar expression upon entering and laughed. “My elder brother is different from me. He studied martial arts and military strategy, unlike me who indulged in refined pursuits. That’s why this study is empty—used only by him when he needed to calm his mind. Only his closest friends or trusted aides were allowed in here. You were still young when you first came to Nanjing, but he already treated you differently. He really didn’t misjudge you—compared to his two biological nephews, you’re the one with real potential!”

After bowing, he stepped forward and sat on the cushion. Zhang Yue said humbly, “Your Excellency, these praises truly leave me at a loss for words. My success today is thanks only to the emperor’s grace and the guidance of my elders; anything else is mere luck.”
“Luck? Luck is also a form of fate. Some try to rely on luck, but it doesn’t always work!” Zhu Yong laughed heartily before getting straight to the point. “I’ve been ordered to stay in Nanjing and have also received previous imperial commands. I don’t believe in such grandiose words. Just because there’s a difference of a few thousand bushels in the summer grain stored in the granaries, is it really necessary to send two imperial envoys—you, and Lu Feng, who is highly favored by the emperor? I just want to remind you: if you truly came here to pilot the lifting of the sea ban, don’t forget us who are left behind in Nanjing.”