Chapter 442: Unexpected Turn of Events

Although the Minister of War and the Minister of Revenue, who were most closely involved in the northern expedition, suffered consequences, since the imperial court had already decided on replacements, all officials in these two ministries continued to work tirelessly on allocating military funds even during the Mid-Autumn Festival on the 15th of August. The population in the areas around Beizhili and the capital was much smaller than that in Jiangnan, making self-sufficiency difficult, let alone supporting the military. As a result, the two ministries agreed to transport grain from Beizhili, Shanxi, Henan, Shandong, and Nanzhili. Given the huge demands for military provisions, the grain had to be dispatched immediately. All day long, the officials in these two ministries didn’t even have time to take a sip of water, let alone think about anything else. Fortunately, the two new ministers showing responsibility for their departments allowed the work to end on time, as it was the Mid-Autumn Festival.

As soon as Zhang Yue left the Ministry of War, he saw a familiar figure standing under a flagpole. He quickly greeted Wan Shijie beside him, signaling him to go ahead, then strode over immediately. Since one of them was in one of the six ministries and the other in the Eastern Palace, both were extremely busy, so he and Fangling hadn’t seen each other in a long time. Upon meeting, he joked, “I thought living by the Crown Prince’s side would make you comfortable enough to gain some weight. Why are you actually thinner?”

“There are many rules in the Eastern Palace, with countless eyes watching every move. Even you would lose weight in such a situation.”

Though he said that, Fangling was actually quite satisfied with his current situation. At least since he entered the Eastern Palace, his father and elder brother had become much nicer to him, even speaking to him in a more conciliatory tone. Knowing well how he had ended up there, although he saw Zhang Yue less now, he never forgot his old friend.

After joking around for a while, Fangling lowered his voice and said, “Lord Liang Qian once taught the Crown Prince for many years. That’s why Scholar Du was able to intercede on his behalf and save his life. The Crown Prince is extremely grateful. He asked me to tell you that it’s not that he won’t intercede for Scholar Du, but since he is the heir apparent, getting too involved in such matters would anger the emperor. It’s better to wait for the emperor to change his mind. He also said that since you have a son now, he should have given you some gifts, but it’s not as convenient in the capital as it was in Nanjing. Besides, last time he gave your wife gold for her dowry, he was already reprimanded by some scholars, so he can’t overstep now. All he can do is convey one message—keep working hard, and he’ll make up for it next time with gifts.”

Even though Zhang Yue was still a bit uneasy at that moment, hearing these words made him smile. He couldn’t help but reminisce about the time when he wrote letters on behalf of Zhu Zhanji in the palace in Dezhou. Back then, Zhu Zhanji would dictate to him, and there was often no one else around, making conversations much more relaxed. Now, with countless eyes watching in the capital, things weren’t as casual as before.

“Please convey my regards to His Highness the Crown Prince and thank him for his kindness. He’s already done me a great deal of help.” After saying that, he glanced at Fangling and then whispered, “By the way, you’re over a year older than me—why aren’t you thinking about getting married?”

“Don’t even mention it. Now that I’m in the Eastern Palace, there are so many people coming to propose marriage that my parents almost choose a bride based on her dowry. I had to imply that His Highness the Crown Prince had other plans, and since they couldn’t go ask him directly, things calmed down. Otherwise, I doubt they wouldn’t try to arrange three wives and four concubines for me. Anyway, I’m not in a hurry. A real man should establish himself first before starting a family. I’m not like you—no one pushing me to have grandchildren.”

Since it was the Mid-Autumn Festival, the two didn’t talk about meeting up somewhere. After chatting for a while more, they said goodbye to each other. Most officials had already gone home; even the entrances to other ministries were deserted. Riding on his horse, Zhang Yue thought about his original plan to spend the festival at his grandmother’s place before going to the Du family. He sighed deeply—he really wanted to bring Lady Qiu to join them for the reunion, but his mother-in-law refused firmly. Thankfully, there was Xiao Wu there; otherwise, with such an incident, the Du family would have been even more desolate.

Since Hu Qi had gone to gather information after sending Zhang Yue to the early court session and hadn’t returned yet, those accompanying him now were Zhao Hu and Xiang Long, who had rushed over after leaving court. Those four former Jinyiwei trainees had become his bodyguards almost three years ago. Since Hu Qi always took the lead in everything, the other three often remained silent, almost invisible when not needed. Their monthly salaries were paid from Zhang Yue’s personal account. Even Du Wan was shocked by such a large expense when she first took charge of the finances, while Zhang Yue still felt those four got too little for their work.

At this moment, Zhang Yue really needed someone to talk to, so he ordered them to walk beside him and casually asked about everyday matters. When the topic turned to finding a wife, Zhao Hu smiled naively and said, “Back then, we had no money and couldn’t afford a wife, but now that we have plenty of money, it’s hard to choose. Our elder brother said we must find someone honest, trustworthy, and reliable, so that if we talk in our sleep, she won’t go around spreading rumors.”

“Old Hu is indeed cautious,” Zhang Yue said with a sigh, seeing Xiang Long nod in agreement. He then smiled and added, “If you really can’t decide, let Gao Quan keep an eye out for you tomorrow. After all, he often goes out and knows quite well the backgrounds of those families. Getting a wife is a lifetime decision—surely we can’t be careless.”

Zhao Hu and Xiang Long, both in their twenties or thirties, immediately agreed with bright smiles after hearing this. As they chatted along the way and turned into Wu’an Hou Hutong, Zhang Yue suddenly heard the sound of horse hooves behind him. Turning around, he saw Hu Qi rushing towards him at full speed. By the time he got close, Hu Qi didn’t even have time to stop his horse—he simply leaped off it.

“Young master, it’s bad news! Lord Fang… Minister Fang committed suicide in Lingji Palace!”

Hearing these words in a hushed voice, Zhao Hu and Xiang Long, not being as alert, still looked confused, but Zhang Yue felt as if the sky had collapsed on him. Fang Bin had been his superior for over a year. Though he was vengeful and narrow-minded, he was extremely capable, ensuring that the Ministry of War was well-organized under his leadership. Even if he had been dismissed by the emperor, it would have been enough for him to stay quietly in Lingji Palace—why would he commit suicide?

Even though he knew where the news came from, he still asked incredulously, “Is this news reliable?”

“When Lord Yuan led people there, I followed from a distance and also took a round outside Lingji Palace. The agents from the Eastern Depot arrived even earlier than the Imperial Guards, so this news must be accurate.” Hu Qi himself was surprised and quickly added, “I returned from there at the third hour of the morning and saw with my own eyes people carrying out a body covered with a white cloth. It is said that Minister Fang looked very depressed when he went to Lingji Palace early that morning. In the afternoon, he locked himself in a quiet room, and by the time the servants realized something was wrong, he had already been dead for a long time.”

Despite still finding it hard to believe, Hu Qi’s detailed account was so convincing that Zhang Yue had no choice but to accept it. The fact that Fang Bin was dead was secondary; what mattered was the impact of his death on the current situation. Zhu Di originally hadn’t intended to kill him, yet now he had mysteriously hanged himself. Would the emperor become enraged again, or would he overlook the past incident given the death of his former trusted minister?
“Old Hu, I still need to rely on you for this matter. Take Zhao Hu with you and keep an eye on the latest developments. Also, remind Lord Yuan that the Eastern Depot acting so quickly this time seems unusual. This happened suddenly, and if things go wrong, it could cause a huge uproar. If you get any news, have Zhao Hu return to report it. I’ll send word from the second gate—no matter how late it is, whoever of you returns must come see me immediately.”
Seeing Hu Qi agree and leave with Zhao Hu, Zhang Yue took a deep breath. When Fang Bin was alive, he held great influence in the Ministry of War, and no one dared question him. But his death was likely to cause a stir. Such a clever and shrewd veteran minister should have known that hanging himself would inevitably imply fear of punishment—how could he be so ignorant and reckless?
Since this was still strictly confidential news, a Mid-Autumn Festival banquet was held at home that night. Despite his inner turmoil, Zhang Yue had no choice but to participate. Gu Shi, perceptive and aware of Zhang Yue’s distress, used the excuse that Jingguan was still young and needed care, asking Zhang Yue and Du Wan to leave first. She then instructed Bai Fang to bring some dishes to Lingxi Hupo and Qiuhen.
After sending Bai Fang and the maids away, Zhang Yue and Du Wan stayed behind. He told her about Fang Bin hanging himself in Lingji Palace. Noticing Du Wan freeze in place, he quickly wrapped his arms around her, only to hear unexpected words.
“Xiao Wu came to see me this afternoon. She said she went to Lingji Palace to offer prayers today and happened to meet the princess at the entrance. Later, she saw Minister Fang in the palace. The princess noticed something was wrong and advised him not to lose heart over temporary setbacks. Since Minister Fang had been a court official for over a decade, he shouldn’t be unable to handle such hardships—how could he suddenly hang himself!”
“You say the princess and Xiao Wu went to Lingji Palace today and met Minister Fang?”

With Du Wan’s detailed explanation, Zhang Yue felt even more confused. On that dark night road, there was at least the bright moon and a lantern, but this matter was completely shrouded in darkness with no clues at all. Back in their own room, supported by each other, they drank another cup of hot tea, and only then did he gradually calm down. He then asked Du Wan about his visit to the Duke of Ying’s residence that day.
“I showed the proposal to my aunt. Without hesitation, she agreed. As expected, Eunuch Zhang came in the morning to deliver rewards, so my aunt took me to Ruiqing Hall to meet him and gave him your proposal. Eunuch Zhang accepted it, saying he would try to show it to the emperor upon returning.” Du Wan instructed Lingxi to bring Jingguan to nurse, then said thoughtfully, “Eunuch Zhang also mentioned that the heads of the twenty-four government agencies—the Twelve Supervisory Offices, Four Bureaus, and Eight Departments—all were eyeing the vacant position in the Imperial Eunuch Bureau, not knowing that the emperor favored Eunuch Zheng the most.”
Being abroad, Zheng He had no ties to any faction, making him the perfect candidate to balance the power of the eunuchs in the palace. Indeed, after what had happened before, Zhu Di also began to doubt his own trusted eunuchs. Anyway, Zhu Di was already highly suspicious by nature—more or less suspicion made no difference. With Fang Bin’s death today and the Eastern Depot acting so quickly, it was likely someone else preparing to rise to power.