Chapter 410: Seizing the Opportunity

Officers in the Ministry of War were not like local officials stationed in remote areas; it certainly wouldn’t work to have attendants handle tasks in place of clerks. Zhang Yue had previously served as a vice minister, coordinating between various government offices and military camps rather than sitting in his office handling paperwork. Now that his superior had been reassigned, he suddenly became the actual head of the Ministry of War’s Armory Department. At first, it was quite difficult for him to get started, and the clerks tested him both openly and secretly. Several of his older subordinates also deliberately gave him tough tasks to trouble him.

However, after the first month, both the clerks and the officials in the Armory Department gradually realized that none of their tactics could stump this young supervisor. Some even quietly revealed that Zhang Yue had spent half of the month working overnight in the Ministry of War, thoroughly familiarizing himself with various affairs and documents—showing great diligence and commitment. As a result, such petty tactics based on experience and seniority gradually diminished. Taking advantage of the lull in military affairs, Zhang Yue studied together with Wan Shijie, and together they finally sorted things out.

That day was the day when the Ministry of Rites held the imperial examinations for scholars from across the country. Although it had nothing to do with the Ministry of War, after returning to the office early in the morning, the officials couldn’t help but discuss it, slowing down their pace. Just as everyone was about to head back to their offices, a figure rushed in from outside and stopped only in front of Minister Fang Bin, presenting a document with both hands.

“Sir, an urgent report from Jiaonan!”

Hearing the words “urgent report from Jiaonan,” Fang Bin, who was speaking with two vice ministers, raised his eyebrows slightly. After taking the document, he didn’t rush to open it but instead glanced around authoritatively. Only after all the officials had returned to their rooms did he enter the main hall with the two vice ministers. After reading the document quickly, he handed it to them with a tightly furrowed brow.

Zhang Yue and Wan Shijie entered the office together and saw that others were whispering as well. Wan Shijie then said in a low voice, “Last year, two counselors from Jiaozhi—Marquis Bao and Marquis Feng—died in battle defending against the enemy. Yet in October, Marquis Feng led his troops to a decisive victory over Li Li in Laos. Now there’s another urgent report. Could it be that someone has rebelled again? Li Li may not be very skilled in other aspects, but he’s extremely fast—every time we defeat him, we can’t capture him, and soon he resurfaces. How can this keep going?”

“Jiaonan has spent countless resources in money, food, and manpower. If this continues, the southwest region will truly be overwhelmed.”

Recalling that he had just discussed this matter with Yu Qian on the second floor of Sixi Restaurant two days ago, Zhang Yue nodded. Once he returned to his seat, he reviewed some official documents and made a few annotations before beginning to ponder. Although his uncle Zhang Xin had been promoted to counselor, his position there was precarious. Since he knew the emperor’s reason for exiling people there was not purely benign, it was not appropriate for him to speak out lightly. But could the excellent situation established by Duke Zhang Fu in Jiaozhi be wasted just like that? Over these past two months, in addition to getting familiar with the affairs of the Ministry of War, he had also put in a lot of effort into military matters in Jiaozhi. Could he take this opportunity…

“Lord Zhang, Lord Fang has asked you to come over for a discussion!”

Hearing this voice outside the office, Zhang Yue quickly stopped his thoughts and got up to leave. Upon arriving in the main hall of the Ministry of War, he found only Minister Fang Bin there. After he bowed, Fang Bin said, “The Marquis of Jiannanfeng is seriously ill. This is because Lord Rongzhi has submitted a petition. Due to the changeable climate in Jiaozhi, many soldiers in the expeditionary force have died from diseases, and military equipment has rusted due to the humid weather. Therefore, he has requested troops and equipment to be sent there. This is a matter of great importance. I need to go to the palace. The other two vice ministers have other tasks to handle. Since you are in charge of military records and equipment registers, come with me.”

Although this was indeed his duty, such matters should normally be reported by the three officials of the Ministry of War. Zhang Yue did not feel he needed to accompany them, so he agreed reluctantly, sending someone back to give instructions while continuing to ponder in his mind. After leaving the Ministry of War, he entered the palace through the Left Gate of Chang’an, then Chengtian Gate, Duanmen Gate, and the Left Side Gate. He followed Fang Bin along the bluestone path beside Wenzhao Pavilion on the left side of the imperial road, passing through Chuantang and the Middle Left Gate and Yuntai Left Gate before finally seeing Qianqing Gate.

Today, the guards under Sun Han were on duty at Qianqing Gate. Recognizing the newcomers, they quickly stepped forward to bow to Fang Bin, then turned to Zhang Yue and said, “Third brother, are you here with Lord Fang to submit a petition? Although it only takes a moment to announce your arrival, the emperor is currently meeting with Prince Zhou. If you’re not in a hurry, it’s best to wait a while to avoid any offense.”

Before Zhang Yue could respond, Fang Bin nodded and said, “In that case, let’s wait here first.”

Sun Han married Zhang Yi, Zhang Yue’s cousin, and thus the two families became in-laws. As a result, despite being older, Sun Han had to address Zhang Yue as “Third Brother.” Though they got along very well, they were now busy with their own affairs, and Sun Han also had to devote himself fully to establishing a firm position in the Eastern Palace, so they met less often. Now, in front of the bustling Qianqing Gate, with Minister of War Fang Bin present, the two didn’t dare speak much. It was Zhang Yue who gradually understood why Fang Bin had insisted on bringing him along.

Most of the guards on duty at Qianqing Gate were descendants of nobles. Although a minister held a high rank of second grade, he might not always be able to command respect. Since the emperor had summoned Prince Zhou today, if they entered at an inopportune time and brought bad news, it could lead to retribution. By including him, they might obtain information at Qianqing Gate, and if there were any reproaches, there would be an extra person to share them with; if there were rewards, it could be framed as mentoring younger generations. No wonder people said that among the six ministers, Xia Yuanji was the most virtuous, Jian Yi the most steady, Song Li the most upright, Lü Zhen the most versatile, Wu Zhong the most resourceful, and Fang Bin the quickest-witted—each with their own character and methods, indeed true to reputation.

The main hall of Qianqing Palace was dead silent at that moment. Prince Zhou, Zhu Tu, knelt on the ground, while Zhu Di paced back and forth in front of the throne, stopping from time to time to glare down at his own full brother with a sharp gaze. Though they shared the same parents, Zhu Di, though always wary of his vassal princes, still showed some leniency toward this brother. However, Kaifeng was too close to the capital, Prince Zhou had 15,000 guards, and on top of that, secret reports claimed he was engaging in unacceptable relations with heretics, which enraged Zhu Di even more.

If Prince Zhou, Zhu Tu, had simply denied everything, it might have been acceptable, but he admitted everything outright and merely bowed in apology. Zhu Di had nowhere to vent his anger, yet he didn’t really want to harm his own brother. “Stop kneeling! Get up!” Seeing that Zhu Tu remained kneeling, Zhu Di raised his eyebrows and immediately ordered his attendants, “What are you waiting for? Go help Prince Zhou up! Don’t you remember he has a chronic rheumatism?” A few eunuchs who had been standing frozen dared not move and hurriedly helped Zhu Tu up. Even so, he staggered and struggled to stand steadily. Seeing this, Zhu Di recalled how, during Emperor Jianwen’s campaign to weaken the princes, his brother had first been exiled to Yunnan and then imprisoned in Nanjing for years, filling him with even more pity. He ordered the palace servants to bring a cushion for Zhu Tu to sit on, then stepped forward and asked, “What exactly is this ‘Ice Industry Religion’ thing? I don’t want to hear excuses!”

At this moment, Zhu Tu knew full well that the hardest part had passed, and he felt relieved, but he dared not show the slightest sign of relaxation. With Zhu Di’s hand on his shoulder, he realized that Zhu Di still remembered their brotherly bond, so he decided to appeal to it: “Fourth Brother, as you know, I’ve always been interested in herbs and such. There’s a physician in the Yici Leye Sect named An Cheng who often visits my palace. I’m compiling a book on herbs for famine relief, and he’s been of great help to me. He mentioned wanting to rebuild the Qing Mosque in Kaifeng, so I agreed to contribute funds—that’s all.”

Seeing Zhu Di’s intense gaze, he gritted his teeth and continued, “The Yici Leye Sect isn’t like Buddhism or Taoism. They came from abroad and rarely intermarry with people from the Central Plains, so their numbers are now less than a thousand. Few local residents in Kaifeng follow this religion. If I were to collude with heretics, why would I choose a sect that isn’t believed in by the Han people? Since he’s helped me, I’ve donated some money to rebuild the mosque, and I’ve long said I’d have plaques inscribed with ‘Long Live the Emperor of the Great Ming’ placed there. In any case, since the evidence is now clear, I admit my guilt.”

Since Yuan Fang was from Henan and had once served as a commander in the Jinyiwei’s Henan unit, Zhu Di had initially been skeptical of the Jinyiwei’s reports. But now that Zhu Tu had clearly explained his involvement, he gradually began to believe him. Yet, being naturally suspicious, Zhu Di snapped angrily, “If there were hidden truths, you should have explained them clearly. Why come straight out saying you deserve death? Why imitate others by kowtowing and begging for execution? You’re getting old yet still so foolish! Or do you think I’m that stupid?”

“Your humble servant wouldn’t dare,” replied Zhu Tu. Seeing Zhu Di acting like an emperor, he quickly left the cushion and knelt down again. “I reflect on myself—having spent these years mostly in the Kaifeng palace with little chance to go out, I truly feel wronged. I know the Emperor will surely send people to investigate thoroughly. I didn’t intend to say anything, but I’m afraid that in his anger, he might harm Ning’er. So if only I could be the one punished…”

“Idiot! If I demote, disqualify, or even kill you, this worthless brother, will A’ning be left unharmed?” Zhu Di grew furious, pointing at Zhu Tu and scolding, “You, as a father, understand your daughter even less than I do! Get out!”

Of course he understood his daughter—these excuses were clearly planned between father and daughter! Zhu Tu smiled bitterly inwardly but continued to bow in fear and apologize. As he stood to leave, he heard another voice say, “Stay a few more days this time and take the opportunity to arrange A’ning’s marriage!”

“Ah… Your Majesty, I thank you!”
Seeing Zhu Tu kneel down in joy and kowtow, Zhu Di felt both annoyed and amused. He ordered two eunuchs to help Zhu Tu out. Only after they left did he frown thoughtfully. It was his order for the local officials in Henan to supervise Prince Zhou, but the appearance of that informant was too coincidental, and the timing before that was also strange. Could it still be those traitors at work? At this thought, he gritted his teeth in even greater anger.
“Your Majesty, Fang Bin, the Minister of War, and Zhang Yue, the Director of the Armory, request an audience.”
Hearing this, Zhu Di snapped out of his chaotic thoughts and ordered them to come in. After the older man and the younger man entered the hall and paid their respects, Fang Bin reported the urgent news from Jiaonan, causing Zhu Di’s face to turn pale instantly.
“That wretched Jiaozhi keeps rebelling over and over again! Is it ever going to end? Li Binrong, the Marquis of Fengcheng, and Chen Zhi, the wise general, don’t even use their brains. They still come to me asking for troops and weapons. Can’t they learn from Zhang Fu and stop keeping me worried?”
Even Fang Bin could only remain silent in the face of Zhu Di’s sudden outburst of anger—after all, it was the nobles and generals who were being scolded, not him. Yet at that moment, Zhang Yue suddenly spoke astonishingly.
“Your Majesty, with all due respect, the reason Jiaonan is difficult to pacify lies not in attacking but in defending.”