Chapter 425: The Duke of Britain’s Hidden Concerns

Zhang Yue’s study, named Zixingzhai, was located in a separate small courtyard beside the west wall of the outer yard. Since it led directly to the west corner gate along the western path, guests could be brought in without disturbing the elders in the house or risking interruptions. It was a place specially chosen for him by the Gu family, serene and tranquil. When he arrived, he saw Zhang Yue stepping aside as he pushed open the door. Without hesitation, Zhang Fu stepped in and glanced around.

Apart from the side near the door, the other three sides were lined with towering bookshelves made of purple elm wood, filled layer upon layer with books. Next to the eastern bookshelves was a rosewood desk with a backrest chair, along with four chairs arranged in a row below. In the western corner stood a small table with a purple-glazed vase holding fresh flowers. Yet, what caught his attention most was a calligraphy piece on the wall in the center.

“Learn from the worthy and reflect on oneself when encountering the unworthy,” he read softly, then turned to Zhang Yue with a smile. “Judging by the style of this calligraphy, it was probably given to you by Scholar Da Shen. You’ve chosen an apt name for your study, and its furnishings suit a scholar like you—unlike my study, which is merely superficial.”

Zhang Yue nodded at Hu Qi outside before closing the door. Seeing Zhang Fu sit comfortably on the first chair by the desk, he didn’t dare claim the main seat. Instead, he sat down next to Zhang Fu and said with a smile, “My uncle’s study has no books, but as long as he has knowledge in his heart, that’s enough.”

“I’m not one of those erudite scholars. How could I claim to have knowledge in my heart? Since my father returned to the Ming dynasty, I’ve read quite a bit under his guidance, but compared to your uncle, my knowledge is far inferior. Most of those meritorious officials, like me, are good only at fighting. The Duke of Cheng likes to associate with scholars, but although these people respect him as a duke, they may not hold him in high esteem. That’s why I never try to cultivate relationships with civil officials. My title as duke came not only from my ancestors’ influence but also from my military achievements!”

Zhang Fu wasn’t one to talk much. Noticing Zhang Yue listening attentively, he slowed down his speech. “Since Emperor Taizu, there has been a strong aversion to the combination of military and civil powers. Thus, when military officers lead troops on campaigns, aside from bringing their own clerks, they are not allowed to order civil officials or recruit them as advisors. During my three expeditions to Jiaozhi, I never used a single scholar to assist in military affairs—not because I didn’t want to, but out of fear of provoking resentment. Although the emperor is usually lenient toward military officers, if they become arrogant and end up in disgrace like Marquis Longping Zhang Xin, it would be pointless. He shares the same name as your uncle—you must have heard of him.”

Zhang Yue had naturally heard of the reputation of this Marquis of Longping. It was thanks to him that Zhu Di had been able to obtain intelligence from the Beiping Administrative Office and Military Command in advance. After Zhu Di ascended the throne, he not only granted him the title of marquis but also addressed him as “Eternal Zhang” and almost took his daughter as a concubine—such favoritism was certainly beyond comparison with that shown to his uncle with the same name. By now, he understood that Zhang Fu’s earlier words were a reminder not to become arrogant, so he immediately nodded.
“I’ve taken your advice to heart, my uncle.”
“I’ve never worried about you; these words are just unnecessary reminders. Though it’s polite to be cautious, it’s not a bad thing for a young man to show his talents occasionally—there’s no need to always hold back. You were born into the Zhang family but followed a civil official path. Although we can help you in many ways, we may also hinder you. Fortunately, you have a good father-in-law. Well, what I said earlier boils down to one thing: despite being a high-ranking duke and a famous general in the court, when faced with problems, I really have no one to consult.”
Even though Zhang Yue had guessed various reasons why Zhang Fu wanted to see him, he was still stunned at this moment. However, upon further reflection, he realized it. Although Zhang Fu had been comrades with those meritorious officials in the past, he treated everyone equally, showing no favoritism. And his closest friend, Duke Zhu Yong, was currently in Nanjing. Since Zhang Fu said he never used civil officials as advisors and that his household consisted only of long-serving servants, his son, who was just over a year old, could certainly not assist with any major tasks.
“Your second uncle is a thoughtful person, but perhaps because of his childhood experiences, he’s too eager for fame and success, so there are some things I can’t discuss with him. Your aunt and your grandmother are both wise, but they lack the power to handle major external affairs. That’s why only when your uncle was still alive could he help me; otherwise, I have to rely on myself.” After a brief pause, Zhang Fu smiled and said, “Fortunately, the third generation of the Zhang family finally has someone now.”
Even though Zhang Yue never had any self-deprecation, hearing these words still left him somewhat overwhelmed. After thinking for a moment, he simply smiled and said, “Uncle, please don’t just praise me endlessly. I know my own capabilities. We’re all family, and you and my aunt have always taken good care of me. If you have any difficulties, I’m willing to help—just don’t say all my ideas are bad.”
“With your steady progress over the years, who would dare say your ideas are bad?”

Seeing Zhang Fu speak, Zheng seriously took out a letter from his bosom and handed it over. Zhang Yue casually took it, removed several sheets of paper from the envelope, and, as usual, checked the signature at the back. Instead, he saw a large seal and several bold characters. Once he recognized the seal and signature, his scalp tingled with fear.
“Your brother, the King of Han, Zhu Gaoxu.”
The King of Han, Zhu Gaoxu! This was actually a private letter sent by Zhu Gaoxu to Zhang Fu!
Glancing up at Zhang Fu, who seemed calm as ever, Zhang Yue forced himself to stay composed and carefully read each sheet. After finishing all four pages filled with dense text and understanding Zhu Gaoxu’s true intentions, he stuffed the letters back into the envelope and handed it to Zhang Fu, asking solemnly, “Spies from beyond the borders say Alutai is about to attack Xinghe. This is news just reported by the Ministry of War; others in the court still don’t know. It’s one thing for the King of Han, who is in Shandong, to learn about it so quickly, but why would he ask you, my uncle, to intercede on his behalf and let him lead troops? You know, the emperor didn’t take him on either of his previous northern expeditions, and he certainly won’t approve this time. Moreover, Jiaozhi is isolated in the southwest—the emperor would never trust the King of Han to go there.”
“You’re right. When the emperor was still the Prince of Yan, he could indeed use him as a general at the front lines. But now that he’s the emperor, it’s against rules and traditions for a vassal king to lead troops on an expedition. Back when the emperor launched the Jingnan Campaign, my brother and I fought side by side many times, and we truly share a deep bond. But every time he sends such private letters, it puts me in a difficult position.”
What he meant by “difficult position” was obvious to Zhang Yue. Although Zhu Di was wary of civil officials, military generals, eunuchs, and even his own sons, he still had an inexplicable tendency to protect them. Otherwise, given the misdeeds of Zhu Gaoxu and Zhu Gaoxui, under the emperor’s strict rules, they would likely have been executed rather than confined behind walls. If Zhang Fu submitted all of Zhu Gaoxu’s private letters or reported everything as it happened, the emperor would not only think it was an overreaction but might also consider Zhang Fu scheming and heartless. But if he didn’t hand them over, they could become evidence someday—a huge one at that!
“Does the King of Han often send letters to my uncle?”
“Yes. Although it’s against regulations for vassal kings and court officials to communicate privately, since the King of Han fought alongside the emperor in the past, the emperor turns a blind eye to such things. It’s not just me—there are over a dozen people, including dukes and marquises, who exchange letters with him. Some more cautious ones send verbal messages through messengers, while I simply write a few words each time.”

Lowering his head and thinking carefully for a while, Zhang Yue gradually understood Zhu Gaoxu’s meaning. Although it was said at the time the heir was chosen that only Duke Qi Qiu Fu supported Zhu Gaoxu, it was obvious without question how many nobles stood behind that greatest hero of the Jingnan Campaign. Times had changed now, but Zhu Gaoxu must have guessed that these military officials would not present these letters to the emperor, which was why he dared to pursue this path unscrupulously. Zhang Fu must also have been troubled by this long before now.

Yet before he could come up with any good idea, Zhang Fu spoke again, saying something that shocked him greatly: “This time it’s just a request; whether it succeeds or not, the King of Han can do little about it. But last time, before the Prince of Han’s heir died, he sent me a letter mentioning how your third uncle Zhang Xue was ordered to dismiss the King of Han’s personal guards, and oddly enough, it also mentioned one of his cousins. Though the details were vague, it’s very likely that your third uncle did something shady back then!”

At the thought of his two younger brothers, Zhang Fu became furious and immediately stood up. After pacing back and forth in the study a few times, he suddenly stopped in his tracks. “Ever since your great-uncle was demoted, I’ve been alert—that ministers must not get involved in the emperor’s family affairs. But what have Zhang Xue and Zhang Xue done? One flirts with the Prince of Zhao, even planning to marry his daughter despite her period of mourning; the other is trapped in some scheme by someone else! Every time I think about it, I regret not having supervised them more strictly due to the dangerous circumstances!”

“Great-uncle, calm down. We need to think this through carefully.”

Realizing this wasn’t an immediate issue, and despite his anxiety, Zhang Yue still stood up to comfort Zhang Fu. After helping him sit down again, he said softly, “The emperor has always disapproved of ministers having too close ties with the crown prince. Although I can barely exchange a few words with the crown prince, this is no ordinary matter. Releasing information rashly might make people think our Zhang family is trying to curry favor with everyone. Since you trust me enough to tell me, I will definitely find a way. But it’s not the right time yet.”

“Those who try to please everyone are the most despised. It’s good you understand that! That’s why I’ve always chosen to remain silent—exactly for that reason.”

As Zhang Fu finished speaking, a loud cough came from outside the door, followed by Hu Qi’s deep voice: “Duke of Britain, Third Young Master, news has just arrived—Second Master Ruan wants to cancel his marriage to Marquis of Fuyang. But Princess Yongping came in person and said that regardless of whether Marquis of Fuyang is alive or dead, this marriage must go through once Miss Ke’s 27-month mourning period is over!”