Chapter 362: At Call, They Come; At Command, They Go — The Emperor’s Way of Using People

From the early days of the Ming Dynasty, the country suffered from Japanese pirates, and patrolling the coasts to hunt them became a common task for meritorious generals. After ascending the throne, Zhu Di immediately sent Zheng He to lead the naval forces to Japan, eventually forcing Ashikaga Yoshimasa to submit, bringing temporary peace to the coastal areas. It wasn’t until a few years ago that Japan stopped sending tributes and acknowledging suzerainty, allowing the pirates to thrive once again. However, those newly established strongholds and supply bases were eradicated in Zhang You’s campaign.

The supervisor accompanying the fleet was Wang Jinghong, a eunuch from the Imperial Inner Court with extensive experience from having traveled to the West with Zheng He on multiple occasions. Unlike other eunuchs who often demanded bribes and interfered in affairs, he got along well with the officers throughout the journey. After rewarding the generals in the Fengtian Hall of the Western Palace, Zhu Di met privately with this trusted advisor in the Renshou Palace and posed a straightforward question.

“What do you think of Zhang You’s abilities?”

Compared to Zheng He, who entered the YanWangMansion (or Wang’s residence) at a young age, Wang Jinghong joined later and, despite also traveling abroad to various countries, was not as well-known. However, he had supported Zhu Gaochi when the crown prince was chosen and tended to think things through carefully. Hearing the question, he replied cautiously, “General Zhang is cautious in battle and never overconfident. He enjoys high regard among the officers. Although his eldest son accompanied him this time, he remained strict and impartial, showing no special favoritism due to kinship.”

“I’d rather read official reports than hear your words! I want your personal opinion—what do you think of this man?”

Though he couldn’t see the emperor’s expression with his head bowed, Wang Jinghong could tell from the impatient tone that Zhu Di was annoyed. After a moment of silence, he simply said honestly, “General Zhang may be generous, but perhaps because he always appears too selfless, I feel he is actually very calculating. I heard that when he was in Jiaozhi, at the request of the Marquis of Fengcheng, he went to the Duke of Qian to transport supplies. Along the way, he was saved by a woman from the Bai tribe, whom he later married as a concubine. That woman was the daughter of a local chieftain, and the marriage was arranged by the Duke of Qian. Yet it seems he forgot about his wife back home, who had remained alone in their home for years.”

Hearing no reaction from the emperor above, he continued, “When he was transferred back to Beijing from Jiaozhi, he encountered the Han King’s ship ramming through the water. The concubine he brought back fell into the water, and it was still his own nephew, Zhang Yue, who sent people to rescue her. Though it’s unclear whether his men were unable to rescue her or simply didn’t try, he didn’t mention it to the emperor afterward. Previously, his elder brother Zhang Xin offended the Jinyiwei prison for some reason. Although he had been allowed to return to his hometown, he didn’t rush into Beijing but instead let his son and nephew handle it, while he quietly returned to Jiaozhi to take care of his brother and quietly accumulated merits for promotion. Therefore, I believe this man is extremely patient.”

Wang Jinghong didn’t actually hold any deep grudges against Zhang You, nor was he intent on bringing up all these matters one by one. It was simply because he knew well how suspicious Zhu Di was. He assumed the emperor must already be aware of these things, so he simply said everything that needed to be said to avoid suspicion after the emperor promoted him, which would only make things worse. Moreover, in his view, the emperor’s excessive trust in the Zhang family was not a good sign. Sure enough, after hearing this, Zhu Di didn’t ask any further questions but waved his hand and ordered him to leave.

“Unperturbed by sudden events, unangry at unjust accusations… Almost all the talented members of the Zhang family seem to be cut from the same mold. In this light, Zhang You’s patience isn’t really a flaw—at least it’s better than being worthless, arrogant, and irritable. Well, it’s time to transfer Zhang Fu back from Xuanfu so that his family can be reunited and take care of him properly.”

Zhu Di muttered to himself, then suddenly remembered something and dug through the documents sent by the governor of Shandong and submitted to the cabinet. He read them from start to finish again, pondered for a while, then carelessly wrote a simple approval mark in red ink before calling over a young eunuch.

“Go to Wenyuan Pavilion and deliver an order: have Yang Rong and Jin Youzi prepare a list of rewards to present to me. Also, go to the Zhang family and convey my words: It’s been several months already, yet not a single report has been submitted—this is unacceptable. After finishing ‘The Analects,’ there are ‘The Book of History’ and ‘The Spring and Autumn Annals’—in short, any of the Four Books or Five Classics. Submit them immediately in three days! Deliver my words exactly as I said, not a single word less!”

Although the young eunuch was under twenty, he had been in the palace for two years and certainly wouldn’t foolishly ask which Zhang family to deliver the order to. After responding and about to rush out, he heard another voice from above. Just as he wanted to stop, he realized the emperor was giving orders to someone else. Still, he couldn’t help but listen carefully.

“Go to the Imperial Censorate and instruct Zhang Qian to award ten bolts each of cloud-patterned silk to the wives of the Duke of Ying, the Duke of Cheng, and the Duke of Qian in the name of Concubine Wang. Then have him light perpetual lamps at Qingshou Temple… Do the people in the Imperial Medical Academy exist just to eat without doing anything? They were unable to help with the illnesses of the Empress and Concubine Zhang back then, nor could they cure my chronic illness, and now they can’t help with Concubine Wang’s illness either…”
The eunuch didn’t dare listen to the remaining outbursts any longer. He quickly left the main hall and rushed toward Wenyuan Pavilion like the wind, feeling an inexplicable worry. Ever since Concubine Wang’s illness had worsened day by day, the Emperor’s temper had grown increasingly fierce. If Concubine Wang really passed away one day, who would dare to advise the Emperor in his anger?
Since Lady Wang knew that Zhang You and his son had returned, the Zhang family must be busy, so she kept Zhang Yue and Du Wan for lunch before sending them back early. Once they left the Duke of Ying’s residence and got into the carriage, Zhang Yue was about to say something when, as the wheels turned, he felt Du Wan gently take his hand. He quickly turned his head.
“Should Lord Meng not have returned?”
Du Wan was so direct that Zhang Yue was stunned. After a moment of silence, he smiled bitterly and said, “Uncle Meng would have done such things because he couldn’t stand being idle. After all, as the Marquis of Baoding, who held a high-ranking position in the Left Military Command, and as the elder brother of the Marquis, how could he be content to be just an ordinary man? It would be fine if he returned to prominence based solely on his past achievements, but I’m worried he’s gotten involved in the struggle for the throne. If that happens, not only will his own faction suffer, but even the Marquis of Baoding…”
“In that case, I’ll go to the Marquis of Baoding’s residence to see my elder sister tomorrow,” Du Wan said decisively, given her straightforward nature. “My elder sister is the legitimate eldest daughter-in-law of the Meng family. There are things the Marquis of Baoding shouldn’t hide from her. Although my aunt didn’t say it outright just now, her words made it clear that Lord Meng is still likely the commander of the guards in Shanshan. The Marquis of Baoding’s residence has always remained impartial, so there will surely be a way forward.”
Hearing Du Wan speak like this and feeling the hand holding his trembling slightly, Zhang Yue reached out with his other hand to gently hold it, lost in thought. The Emperor was known for being intolerant of any mistakes. There was no reason for someone who had been dismissed to suddenly be reinstated, even if Meng Xian had made achievements—so long as Zhu Di wanted, great merits could be reduced to minor ones or even turned into faults. Then why would the Emperor, who clearly despised Meng Xian, change his mind?

Is it because he can’t resist others’ pleas, or is there something deeper behind it… or perhaps to see how the Baoding Marquis’s household will react? That was Emperor Yongle, famous throughout the world for his cruelty, not Emperor Kangxi, who wanted to be known as a benevolent ruler and wouldn’t just sit back and watch the struggle for power. If he really got furious because of the escalating situation, who knows how many heads would roll.

Since Zhang You and Zhang Chao had returned victorious, although the Zhang family’s entrance wasn’t decorated with bright lights, the servants still cleaned it thoroughly and hung red lanterns on the gatehouse. When Zhang You and Zhang Chao, along with over a dozen servants, dismounted in front of the gate, the gatekeepers immediately stepped forward to take care of the horses and greet them, creating a lively scene.

With everything going smoothly during his audience with the emperor, Zhang You was in high spirits. Contrary to his harsh words toward Zhang Chao outside, he praised his eldest son for his proper behavior after dismounting. Used to his father’s stern expression outside, Zhang Chao was initially embarrassed but soon became happy. Just as he was about to enter through the west gate, he suddenly spotted a carriage coming down the road. Upon closer inspection, he realized it was their own, so he stopped in haste. Sure enough, when the carriage came to a stop and someone jumped down, he rushed over excitedly.

“Third brother!”

“Elder brother!”

Zhang You happened to turn around at that moment and saw the two brothers greeting each other cheerfully, so he stopped and waited for them to approach. He wasn’t originally a stern moralist; he had to establish authority in the army, but now, seeing his younger nephews, he reverted to his old self. Smiling, he patted Zhang Yue’s arms and nodded in satisfaction: “You’re not only knowledgeable but also performed well in critical situations. Many in the army praised your quick wits last time! This time, Chao and I cleared out some trouble on Dongfan Island. We didn’t bring back anything else but a box full of miscellaneous medicinal herbs. They’re said to be powerful tonics—I’ll give them to you later!”

Du Wan also came over at that time and happened to hear the last sentence, her face turning red instantly. Just then, they heard the sound of hurried horse hooves, and soon a fast horse carrying a person rushed over. Before the horse could stop, the rider leaped off—dressed as a eunuch. The man glanced around and then strode quickly toward Zhang Yue.

“Lord Zhang, the emperor has an imperial decree.”

The Zhang family members, who had been gathered together, were instantly stunned upon hearing these simple words. After some hurried preparations, they finally allowed the imperial messenger into the courtyard. After hearing the emperor’s original words, which clearly hadn’t been altered in any way, Zhang Yue couldn’t help but glance at Du Wan. Coincidentally, she was also looking his way, and their gazes locked for a moment before separating.
Fortunately, Du Zhen had once reminded the emperor that he often acted on impulse and would write down many drafts in his free time. After all, he had managed to steal some leisure time today, but in the next few days he would have to compete with two high-ranking officials from the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Works—leaving him with no time at all. Without any preparation, what could he present to the emperor in three days?
Call them when needed, dismiss them when desired—this truly was the emperor’s way of using people!