Chapter 363: Understanding People’s Hearts

That evening, the Zhang household was bustling with activity. The three reception halls were lit brightly by candles, with members of three generations sitting according to their seniority. Even Mrs. Gu, who hadn’t drunk alcohol for several years, broke with her habit. Although nothing was explicitly stated during the audience with the emperor that day, Zhang You had already heard rumors about the possibility of being granted a title, which filled him with excitement. He thus paid her extra attention and flattery. By the end of the banquet, seeing Mrs. Gu’s face flushed red, he ordered everyone else to return to their rooms and took her under his arm, with Zhang Yue assisting on either side. When they stepped outside, they saw a bamboo chair parked at the steps, which surprised him.

After Mrs. Gu sat down, noticing Zhang You still curiously examining the chair, she explained with a smile, “It was Brother Yue’s idea. Using those complicated sedan chairs would only lead to rumors that we’re being extravagant. This reclining chair, made of bamboo strips on a bamboo frame, is much more convenient. I’m getting older now; I need help even to walk a few steps. Using this at home saves the servants effort. The bamboo is flexible, so it’s comfortable even when moving, and it’s lightweight enough to use as a stretcher.”

“So it was Brother Yue’s idea.”

Zhang You smiled slightly before stepping forward to cover her with a blanket. Two servants carefully lifted the stretcher and carried it along the corridor to the second gate, after which they stepped back, and two strong women took over. After turning a couple of corners, they could see lanterns lit in front of the north courtyard, so they quickened their pace. When they arrived in front of the main house, Zhang You and Zhang Yue helped Mrs. Gu inside and guided her to sit in the central armchair.

As soon as she sat down, she ordered, “Bai Fang, take the maids away.”

Seeing Bai Fang lead the maids out one after another, and noticing that Mrs. Gu seemed to have important things to say to Zhang You, Zhang Yue also wanted to find an excuse to leave, as he was the younger generation. Yet before the thick door curtains could be drawn shut, his grandmother spoke up, “It’s said it’s hard to establish a family legacy, and even harder to preserve it. The Zhang family has guarded Xiangfu for over a hundred years. Our ancestors founded this family business, and generations of elders have worked hard to maintain it, which is why the Zhang family exists today. However, our branch’s success has always relied on the grace of Duke Rongguo and his son, Duke Yingguo. That’s why I’ve always hoped our family would have someone capable of carrying it forward.”

Gu Shi’s gaze suddenly changed, fixing intently on Zhang You, who had lowered his head. “The eldest has studied hard since childhood. In his early twenties, he passed the imperial examinations and entered the court. With the support of the Duke of Yingguo, he rose to become the vice minister of the Ministry of Works. I had always placed my hopes on him, but it seems he still made a mistake. Thankfully, heaven has favored our Zhang family. The second son fought his way to success through his own efforts, and Zhang Yue has also proven himself remarkable, becoming famous throughout the land before even reaching adulthood! Seeing our family thrive like this, even if I die, I won’t have any regrets.”

Having spent many years in battle, and since Gu Shi was his legal mother rather than his biological one, Zhang You naturally respected her more than loved her. Yet hearing the word “die” still shocked him greatly. He quickly stepped forward and knelt down. “Mother, why say such things? You are in good health now, rarely suffering from illness. It’s common for people to live past a hundred in ancient times. Why speak such ominous words? Although the eldest is no longer here, I can now be by your side, and I will surely help elevate your status even further.”

Seeing Zhang Yue also silently kneel down, the tall uncle and nephew were only slightly shorter than her seated in the grand chair. Gu Shi let out a soft sigh, then placed her hands on their shoulders before speaking earnestly, “I don’t crave any imperial titles or honors. I only hope that future generations in our family will live in harmony and friendship, not like the two brothers of the Duke of Yingguo! The eldest’s wife and Zhang Jiu both long for his return, and so do I. But I know better than to bring this up lightly now! Second son, among the three of you brothers, you hold the highest position now. I want you to promise me that no matter what happens to the eldest, you’ll help him if you can in the future.”

“If that’s truly what you wish, I’m willing…”

“If you’re willing to risk your future or even your life to ensure his return, then don’t even mention it!” Gu Shi’s voice rose sharply as she slammed her right hand on the armrest. “Your future was earned through your own hard work, and it’s not just your honor—it’s the honor of the entire Zhang family! Even if you mention this to the emperor, he won’t praise your filial piety. He’ll think you’re being presumptuous! Just remember—our Zhang family’s principle is to uphold integrity.”

“Yes, son has remembered.”

Seeing Zhang You bow his head deeply, Lady Gu felt extremely tired, but still bent down to help him up, then said with a bitter smile, “You and Brother Chao were on a distant expedition, and I should have taken care of your family. Brother Chao gave birth safely, but your second wife… It’s all my fault. I was only thinking about Wan Niang at that time and neglected her.”

“She was already frightened on the road. Even if she had a miscarriage at home, it was just because the servants failed to take proper care of her—her son simply didn’t have enough fortune,” Zhang You said, head bowed. After a long while, he raised it, his face filled with bitterness. “Because of Brother Fu, the Duke of Qian has always been very kind to me. When he learned she had feelings for me, he tried his best to arrange a marriage between us. He even said that with the help of the Mangshi Tusi, it would be easier to bring the various tribes in Yunnan under control. I had been away for many years and had no interest in women. I was attracted to her delicacy and youth, so I married her on impulse. I brought her back without reporting to anyone and didn’t teach her the family’s rules. I’m grateful my mother didn’t hold it against me.”

“As a man, having three or four wives is common. Taking concubines is different from marrying a wife. But you should also think about your wife. She’s been waiting at home for years—how easy could that be? She’s always been sharp and determined, but now she’s become too stubborn, even to the point of bullying her own daughter-in-law! Well, these are your family matters. I won’t interfere. Go back. Don’t just focus on soothing your second wife—talk to her more!”

Only after Zhang You left did Lady Gu sigh. She then said to Zhang Yue, “Brother Yue, get up and come sit with me. I feel so distressed.”

Zhang Yue thought Lady Gu had already poured out all her thoughts just now. Hearing her say she still felt distressed, he was greatly surprised. He quickly stood up, but his legs went numb, and he stumbled. Then, a pair of hands firmly supported him. Looking up, he saw it was his grandmother. He felt a bit embarrassed and quickly steadied himself and stood straight.

“You’re someone who kneels in front of the emperor all the time. If you did the same in front of him, it would be considered rude at best and a grave insult at worst!” Lady Gu glared at Zhang Yue irritably, then sighed after a while. “Four years have passed in the blink of an eye. It was when your uncle was captured by the Jinyiwei that I first realized you were different from your other brothers. You can ignore what I just said about your second uncle. Now I just want to ask you—why do you think the emperor won’t let your uncle back?”

Had the old grandmother noticed something?

Zhang Yue was momentarily stunned. Seeing Gu’s face filled with confusion, devoid of any trace of the stern demeanor she had shown earlier, he immediately gave up on trying to comfort her. After a light cough, he simply poured out his doubts: “The Duke of Yingguo once said that my uncle was only punished because he had been close to the King of Han, and thus suffered as a collateral victim. That’s why he was given a lighter sentence and exiled to Jiaozhi. But now that so much time has passed, the emperor should have calmed down. Why is he still holding my uncle back?”
Seeing Gu nod repeatedly, he lowered his voice further: “But if there really were some unforgivable crimes, the emperor should despise our family. When he first met me, although there were other reasons, as soon as he heard I was the nephew of the Duke of Yingguo, he took an interest in me. He even promoted me several times, which shows he doesn’t hold any ill will toward our family. Otherwise, my second uncle wouldn’t have had such smooth promotions. Considering how favorably the emperor treats the Bao Ding Marquis family and how strict he is with Uncle Meng Xian, I think the emperor not only shows favoritism based on association but also carefully assesses people’s character.”
“You mean your uncle’s character isn’t to the emperor’s liking?”
At such an answer, Gu felt as if her whole body had frozen. Though she wanted to scold Zhang Yue for talking nonsense, she had lived a long life and, even if she paid no attention to political affairs, she still understood basic principles. Keeping someone in Jiaozhi without letting them return, while going to great lengths to promote other members of the Zhang family, with Zhang Jiu being the last to benefit—what Zhang Yue said was likely true. Recalling how Zhang Xin would send gifts from Nanjing to their hometown in Kaifeng during festivals, those treasures and ornaments couldn’t have been afforded by his salary, which made her even more uneasy.
So, Zhang Xin wasn’t just close to the King of Han—he was involved in other dealings too? It must be that way. Otherwise, how could the King of Han have sent that white jade Buddha on her sixtieth birthday? She still kept that white jade Buddha in the altar in the back hall!
“I see… So the emperor kept him in Jiaozhi not only out of punishment and disdain but also to protect him…”

Bai Fang, who was waiting outside, didn’t know how many laps she had taken in the courtyard before she heard a cry coming from inside. She quickly brought a few maids inside. Seeing Lady Gu’s eyes slightly red and swollen, she was shocked and couldn’t help but glance at Zhang Yue beside her, thinking that the third young master was usually very much favored by the old lady—how could he have made her so upset? It wasn’t until Zhang Yue left that she stepped forward to help Lady Gu up and settled her on a warm couch in the inner room. As she prepared foot bath water and other things, she suddenly heard a soft sigh coming from the couch.

That night, many people in the Zhang family didn’t get good sleep. Some were lost in their own thoughts while sharing a bed, some endured the bitterness of being alone in their rooms, some tossed and turned with anxiety, and still others harbored countless grievances and unspeakable sorrows. Only the three younger couples stayed tangled together most of the night, finally sighing in annoyance as they had to get up at dawn.

How nice it would be to be a pampered richling who could eat to their heart’s content every day?