Chapter 432: Reckless Ambition, Imperial Call

The capital in July already carried a hint of autumn, yet successive imperial edicts only added fuel to the tension in the court. The Henan Military Command was ordered to select 5,000 infantry and cavalry, the Taiyuan Three Guards to select 4,000, and the Tongguan Guard to select 1,000, all to arrive in Beijing by the first day of August. Lord Xiangcheng, Li Long, was tasked with transporting 200,000 bushels of grain to the border areas to supply the troops. The various guards outside the border were ordered to send 10,000 infantry and cavalry to Xuanfu for deployment, while the Shanxi Military Command was instructed to send 10,000 infantry and cavalry to Wanquan by mid-month. Additionally, 20,000 elite soldiers were to be selected from the troops under the Henan Military Command and sent to Beijing by mid-month.

By the day of Jisi in July, news of the emperor’s northern inspection officially spread. Though the term used was “inspection” rather than “military campaign,” the list of those accompanying him made it clear to all officials—military and civil—that this was no ordinary trip. Zhu Rong would lead the vanguard, Marquis Anyuan, Liu Sheng, would command the infantry, cavalry, and the camp guards as well as the Divine Machine Corps. Marquis Ningyang, Chen Mao, would lead the elite cavalry at the emperor’s side. Marquis Yongshun, Xue Bin, and Marquis Gongshun, Wu Kezhong, would oversee the cavalry units. Marquis Wu’an, Zheng Heng, and Marquis Yangwu, Xue Lu, would lead the left and right scouting units. Duke Yingguo, Zhang Fu, and Marquis Chengshan, Wang Tong, would command the left and right flanks.

Without battle, there was no chance to earn merit. Many officers in the Five Army Commands hoped to gain recognition and rewards through this northern campaign. As a result, noble families were all busy preparing for it. Even experienced figures like Duke Yingguo, Zhang Fu, began carefully selecting generals and personal guards to accompany him. Everyone knew that this campaign was the best opportunity to showcase achievements, so wives encouraged their husbands and mothers encouraged their sons. In the grand households, women were filled with passion, having set aside any thoughts of discouraging their husbands from seeking noble titles.

In the western suburbs of the capital, while others were celebrating and preparing for the northern campaign, Zhang You left the city amidst farewells from his family. Since Minister of War Fang Bin asked Zhang Yue to represent the ministry in seeing him off, Zhang Yue, dressed in his official robes, appeared there despite it being daytime and his usual working hours. Seeing Zhang You scolding his brothers, Zhang Chao and Zhang Qi, he couldn’t help but smile. After they finished speaking, he stepped forward and handed over documents such as the official seal.

“Although Chao and Qi are older than you, they are impulsive and lack experience. If you think there’s anything wrong with them, remind them often,” Zhang You instructed Zhang Yue. Noticing the embarrassment of his two sons standing aside, he cleared his throat gently. “Your father is also stubborn. He stayed in Nanjing probably hoping to accomplish something significant for others to see. So it falls to you younger ones to take better care of things here, especially since your grandmother is getting older. You must pay extra attention to everything.”

Zhang Yue agreed to everything. However, soon after, Zhang You suddenly waved his hand to send Zhang Chao and his brothers away, leaving only him behind. He had thought Zhang You was probably worried that Zhang Chao might be scolded and lose face, but instead, Zhang You firmly pressed down on his shoulder and spoke in a lower voice.

“That woman Chao has been with—although the old lady has always handled matters related to her—I’ve never interfered. But things are different now. I’m away on a military campaign, and the Duke of Ying seems set to join the northern expedition as well. I’m afraid they’ll pay even closer attention to our family. Such a threat can’t be allowed to remain. Ignore that fool Chao; as long as we keep it hidden, there’ll be no problem. Go and find out from Lingxi where she is. I’ve left two reliable men, Wei Ming and Wei Luo, at home. Just tell them, and they’ll take care of it. I’ve killed so many people in my life that I don’t care about one more. Even if it harms someone else, it still harms me as well.”

Although Zhang Yue wasn’t exactly a pious person, he was still stunned upon hearing Zhang You speak like this. He wasn’t sure what Zhang You was like on the battlefield, but he knew that this second uncle had always been extremely kind and approachable around him, never putting on an airs of authority. He even once smiled and patted Jingguan’s head, saying things like, “The little guy has a strong, sturdy look.” But at this moment, Zhang You showed no hint of hiding his genuine murderous intent.

“If it were just some ordinary woman he got involved with, it would be fine. As the old lady said, there’s no reason to blame anyone. But I had people investigate thoroughly. Although Chao claims he rescued her from the sea during the campaign to pacify the pirates in the southeast—that she was originally a decent woman taken away by force—only one sailor remained on that ship; everyone else jumped into the sea. That’s already suspicious. Moreover, that sailor disappeared without a trace afterward, which shows that woman’s background is unclear and her intentions are dubious. If she causes trouble, it will be a great disaster. If it weren’t for the old lady hiding her well, I wouldn’t have asked you to do this…”

“Second uncle, I’ve already written to Father asking him to investigate matters in the south. I can’t agree to killing someone rashly before the truth is clear. Zhang Yue had already entrusted Yuan Fang to investigate, and after much hesitation, he finally refused Zhang You’s proposal outright. ‘Besides, since Grandmother is now wary because of the incident with Lingxi, she surely won’t be given another chance to escape. If it’s confirmed that she’s indeed connected to Japanese pirates or others, I won’t hesitate to act. But if she’s just an ordinary woman greedy for wealth, killing her carelessly might cause my elder brother to hold a grudge against you in the future. After all, it’s a human life, and I’m not one to treat lives lightly.’”

Zhang You was speechless by Zhang Yue’s response, but recalling that Lady Guan had given almost the same answer when he visited her earlier, he couldn’t help but sigh. It was his fault for neglecting to teach his sons for their future, it was his fault that his sons were so blinded, and it was his fault that both sons shared his tendency toward women… With these thoughts, he had no face to say more. With a deep sigh, he stepped back and mounted his horse. Seeing his two sons approaching, he raised his whip and pointed at them from afar.

“Behave yourselves in the capital and don’t cause trouble again. Otherwise, I won’t spare you when I return!”

Being scolded like this by his father before leaving made Zhang Qi feel extremely embarrassed. On the way back, he complained that his father treated him like a child, while also jokingly asking what Zhang Yue’s father had instructed him to do—only to find out nothing had been discovered. Zhang Chao, on the other hand, asked nothing. After entering Xuanwu Gate, he pulled Zhang Qi along, saying they were going to the army to take leave. Zhang Yue naturally returned to the Ministry of War alone.

As soon as he entered the main hall, he noticed that the atmosphere was no longer as tense as before. Minister Fang Bin and the two vice ministers all appeared relaxed. Curious, he went forward to report on official matters, only to be asked to stay.

“Because of the conscription in various military units, your Bureau of Armories has been busy for quite some time. Now you can take a break.” Before Zhang Yue could ask anything, Fang Bin waved his hand. “The border general in Xinghe has just sent an urgent report. It says that thousands of young men captured from the Mongol Yuan dynasty have finally made it to Xinghe, bringing news about the Tartars. Upon hearing that the emperor is planning a northern inspection, Arutai has already led thousands of troops northward. It seems they definitely won’t invade. I’m about to see the emperor. You come with me, and we should also inform the emperor about General Zhang’s departure.”

The earlier words were good news for Zhang Yue, as he had some reservations about this northern expedition. Yet, he saw a different meaning in the last sentence. Back when he had met the emperor with Fang Bin, he had bypassed Fang Bin to report directly on matters in Jiaozhi—surely the vindictive Minister of War had kept that in mind. So now, after echoing Fang Bin’s words, he said with a smile, “This is a major military matter; naturally, it should be reported personally by a high-ranking official. It would be inappropriate for just an officer to accompany them. Besides, General Zhang has already met with the emperor. If the emperor learns that Arutai has fled, he will surely be overjoyed—after all, this is excellent news.”

Fang Bin had added that remark out of concern for Zhang Yue’s status as a nobleman’s son, and he was very satisfied that Zhang Yue understood the situation. After Zhang Yue bowed and left, Fang Bin paced back and forth in the main hall, looking relieved.

Fighting again and again, more and more nobles were granted titles, military officials grew more powerful, and the national treasury was drained dry, yet Arutai still remained undefeated—it was utterly pointless. Since Arutai had fled on his own this time, surely the emperor wouldn’t refuse to stop the campaign? After all, those who liked to lead personal expeditions were the kind of ambitious rulers like Emperor Yang of Sui—this approach simply wouldn’t work. He wanted to be a renowned official; if he continued to cater solely to the emperor’s preferences, he might not win the favor of the crown prince in the future!

So, when Fang Bin returned from the palace that day, at the time when the Ministry of War closed for the day, the officials, who had been busy nonstop for days, all looked relieved. After all, if an expedition was launched, their efforts in the rear would at best earn them a commendation, while those nobles would rise in rank—how could anyone be angry about that?

“Minister Fang said the emperor has ordered the cessation of conscription in all military units. It seems this northern expedition might not go through after all.”

“Remember, there were thunderstorms and lightning earlier… Well, why not let Arutai and the Oirats fight each other in that barren northern land?”

As they spoke, Wan Shijie teased Zhang Yue softly, “It’s your uncle Yuanjie who’s smart. If he had insisted on joining the expedition, he might have failed this time. Although the task in Jiaozhi is more arduous, he has served there for years and knows the region well. Maybe he can capture that troublemaker Li Li—that would be a significant achievement.”

“Many people will surely be unhappy about this.”

Zhang Yue gave a bitter smile, recalling vaguely that the Yongle Emperor of history, Zhu Di, had died during a northern expedition. Though he couldn’t remember the exact year or time, judging from the emperor’s current age and health, he really didn’t want Zhu Di to lead the troops in person. Yet, although there were many capable officials in the court who offered their wisdom and efforts, it was almost entirely Zhu Di who held ultimate power… As he was thinking this, he stepped out of the Ministry of War’s office only to see a dozen riders speeding toward him down the street. The leader wore a bright red brocade robe embroidered with qilins—it was Yuan Fang, the commander of the Jinyiwei. As soon as he saw Zhang Yue, he dismounted and strode forward, saying directly, “Lord Zhang, the emperor is currently at the Duke of Zhou’s residence and has ordered me to summon you there.”