Chapter 457: In Times of Crisis, True Knowledge Reveals Itself

Arutai launched a surprise attack!
An edict was issued ordering the Shaanxi Military Command, the Central Garrison Command, nine military units in Zhili, Xuzhou, Yangzhou, Suzhou, and others, as well as the three guard units in Xi’an, to select 14,300 infantry and cavalry troops to be sent to Beijing next spring.
Another edict ordered Chen Mao, the Marquis of Ningyang who governed Ningxia, to select 6,500 infantry and cavalry troops to lead to Beijing next spring.
Edicts were also sent to select elite local troops from Xining, Pingliang, Hezhou, Lintao, and other places, without regard for numbers, instructing Li Ying, the local military commander, and other officers to go to Beijing next spring.
Although the shadow of the previous mass arrests had not yet dissipated, the series of conscription orders kept the entire imperial court busy. The censors of the Censorate, eager to take action, felt as though their efforts were futile. Liu Guan, a censor accustomed to navigating complex situations, realized the situation was wrong and quickly restrained those censors. When officials delivered an imperial edict stating that the emperor had carefully selected ten people from among those who passed the previous imperial examinations, based on Yang Shiji’s advice, to study judicial affairs at the Censorate, this powerful figure in the Censorate became suspicious, wondering if the emperor was dissatisfied with the Censorate’s previous aggressive actions.
Yang Rong was unrestrained in his behavior, while Yang Shiji was magnanimous, but both shared a common trait: they liked to support younger scholars and make friends with humble scholars. Even during times of intense military and administrative pressure, their homes were often frequented by scholars—some who had just passed the examinations, some renowned scholars from various regions, and even commoners. When they were in high spirits, they would host literary gatherings, making their imperial residences lively. Yet, those who observed carefully could see signs of underlying tensions.
However, there was an unwritten rule in the literary gatherings at the Yang families’ residences: officials who had not yet been officially appointed could not participate in evaluations or such activities. This prevented the censors of the Censorate from launching accusations—after all, Emperor Zhu Di was strict with civil officials, and neither Yang Rong nor Yang Shiji wanted to provoke trouble.
It was the ninth day of the ninth month. That evening, seven or eight people gathered at Yang Shiji’s residence, most of them being scholars who had passed the recent examinations. However, Zeng Heling, the top scorer who was from the same hometown as Yang Shiji, was absent, as he had already been appointed as a compiler in the Hanlin Academy. Since most of the scholars who passed the examinations had not yet been appointed, many chose to return to their hometowns to continue their studies rather than stay in the capital. A few familiar faces began to chat.
“Although I wasn’t chosen for the Hanlin Academy, my teacher recommended Tingyi to go to the Censorate to observe and learn—this is also a proper path.”
“You have a strong character; it would be perfect for the Censorate!”

“I’m able to have such an opportunity thanks to the teacher’s recommendation. Yet these days, there are truly too few people with unyielding integrity. During this emperor’s northern campaign, the four ministers who submitted their petitions suffered consequences, but has the Censorate even offered a single word of advice? It must be said that the previous edict calling for honest opinions scared too many people…”

“Tingyi, stop worrying about this. Things are already settled. Even Liu, the head censor, dares not speak out. You’re just learning judicial procedures at the Censorate—don’t be foolish enough to charge headfirst into trouble! When the emperor asked for honest opinions before, people like Guo Ziyin submitted forceful memorials, and as a result, none of us scholars were appointed to any positions. Could it be that this angered the emperor?”

Butler Yang Zhong stood at the door for a moment before ordering a servant outside to remember to bring tea and water promptly. Then he turned to leave, sighing inwardly. Though he knew his master liked to associate with scholars and welcome those who came to seek his advice, back in Nanjing, living costs were low, and he could often send some local specialties from his hometown of Tai’an. But now in Beijing, expenses were extremely high. Even if a cup of tea could entertain these scholars, tea itself cost money. It wasn’t even December yet, and this year’s rations were already almost gone. What would he do at the end of the year?

With these thoughts in mind, he walked to the door and saw a servant hanging lanterns. Frowning, he ordered, “It’s still early, and the master hasn’t returned yet. Hang one first; the other can wait.” The servant nodded and blew out the candle in the other lantern. Just then, Yang Zhong suddenly saw an old-fashioned carriage approaching from the end of the alley. Realizing it was his master returning, he quickly dropped the hem of his robe and rushed down the steps to greet him. As the carriage stopped, he prepared to help, but suddenly the curtain was lifted, and a young man jumped out first, followed by Yang Shiqi being helped down.

“Oh, it’s Lord Zhang! I really am blind—I didn’t recognize you just now.”

Zhang Yue often paid New Year visits and brought gifts to Yang Shiqi, so he had dealt with Yang Zhong many times before. Smiling, he nodded and said, “Today is the Double Ninth Festival. We made quite a bit of chrysanthemum wine at home, and we steamed Double Ninth cakes early this morning. So I took the chance of leaving the office early today to go home and bring them personally. I happened to meet Lord Yang’s carriage at Xisi Archway. It’s been a while since I last saw Butler Yang. Has your rheumatism improved? Did the prescription last time work?”

Yang Shiji gently smoothed out his slightly wrinkled official robes and smiled upon hearing this. “I rarely hear him complaining about back and leg pain these days, which shows that your prescription truly works. I heard that the adopted daughter from Yishan has also taken lessons under Dr. Feng. It’s truly rare to find someone with such knowledge and generosity at the same time; I feel inferior to him.”

Yang Zhong quickly agreed, saying his rheumatism had improved a lot, but he didn’t dare interject further. He ordered the carriage to be stopped at the stables in the south, then led Yang Shiji and Zhang Yue inside while explaining with a smile, “It’s because today is the Double Ninth Festival that many of my masters have already arrived. It’s just like the gifts brought by Lord Zhang.”

After meeting Zhang Yue on the way, Yang Shiji called him to board the carriage and discussed some matters along the way. However, since there was a driver handling the carriage, it was difficult for him to say certain things. He planned to take them to the study to give more instructions. Hearing Yang Zhong say that many masters had arrived, he hesitated for a moment before smiling and saying, “Well, I have some things to discuss with Yuanjie. I’ll go see them later. Since they’ve also brought chrysanthemum wine and Double Ninth cakes, instruct the kitchen to steam the cakes and warm the wine so they can eat first.”

After Yang Zhong left, Zhang Yue followed Yang Shiji inside. After passing by the screen wall and the back door, they came to a small path paved with bluestone, which was very quiet. As they walked, Yang Shiji said, “As I said earlier, although Dr. Feng is indeed skilled, he once worked at the Imperial Medical Academy. He was expelled due to the upheaval following the death of Empress Renxiao, and this can be used against him. Besides, your sister-in-law was raised by the late Duke of Rongguo, so she’s practically his adopted daughter. You can’t just let her act as she pleases; you should find her a good husband.”

“You’re right, Grand Secretary Yang,” Zhang Yue replied. He didn’t want to talk too much about Xiao Wu, but he had to address the other issue. He explained, “However, Dr. Feng and my family aren’t just a regular doctor-patient relationship. Both my eldest uncle’s only son and my grandmother owe their lives to his miraculous healing skills. I’ve also inquired about what happened back then, and the Duke of Yingguo mentioned it to the emperor. I don’t think anyone will stir up trouble over this.”

“It’s good that you’re aware of it.”

Since Zhang Yue already had his own opinion, Yang Shiqi didn’t bother to elaborate further on the topic. When they arrived at the Jingxinzhai study, he pushed the door open, instructed Zhang Yue to close it, and then said seriously, “Because places like Kaiping, Xinghe, Xuanfu, and Datong reported insufficient grain reserves, the Emperor nearly lost his temper upon hearing the reports and wanted to execute Xia Yuanji right away, blaming Yi Shan and others as well. If not for Yang Mianren’s careful persuasion, there would likely have been another execution at the West Fourth Archway by tomorrow.”

Given Zhang Yue’s rank, it was naturally impossible for him to know what had happened in the palace that afternoon. Hearing this, he was deeply shocked. “Minister Xia has been in charge of the Ministry of Revenue for many years. Whether it was the northern expeditions, the construction of canals, or sending treasure ships to the West, all expenditures were managed thanks to his efforts. Who else could be better suited for this role? Grand Preceptor Yang, did the Emperor really intend to kill him at that time?”

“The Emperor is currently irritable, and deciding whether to execute or pardon someone often depends on a single thought. At that time, he truly intended to kill him. After all, subduing the Mongols in the north has always been the Emperor’s long-held desire, and he would naturally be unwilling if grain supplies were hindered. That’s why the Emperor sent several censors to oversee grain reserves and military preparations in the northern regions. Since the Ministry of War needed to dispatch a large number of weapons there, Yang Mianren recommended you for Xinghe.”

Although he knew that Yang Shiqi’s caution in keeping him around must mean there was an important task for him, one shocking news after another made Zhang Yue frown immediately. He had been in the Ministry of War for over a year, so he knew very well where Xinghe was and what its military situation was like. After pondering for a moment, he raised his head and asked, “Surely Scholar Yang didn’t recommend me without reason?”

“Initial spies reported that Arutai had fled north, but now that he has raided Xinghe, it’s clear the earlier reports were a deception. Thus, the area around Xinghe is rife with Mongol spies who often carry out assassination attempts, making it a place that civil officials fear to go to. Previously, when the Emperor summoned Minister of War Zhao Jin to discuss candidates, he also looked troubled and couldn’t name a single person after a long time, much to the Emperor’s dissatisfaction. Today, it’s less about Yang Mianren’s recommendation and more about him understanding the Emperor’s intentions.”

“So the Emperor wants me to go.”

“After Yang Mianren recommended you, the Emperor readily agreed, saying that in times of crisis, true character is revealed.”

Understanding this, Zhang Yue felt relieved. He had always been sent to important places, so he wasn’t afraid of going to Xinghe for a northern inspection. However, he wasn’t willing to simply accept the task right away and frowned once more.

“If it is an imperial order, I naturally have no choice. However, the censor previously submitted a memorial urging the emperor to protect the meritorious officials and remove the Zhang family from military command. If I go to Xinghe now, I’m afraid more people will have doubts.” Although Zhang Yue did not say it explicitly, Yang Shiqi was extremely intelligent and immediately understood. The Zhang Xin and Zhang You brothers were both in Jiaozhi at the moment—one serving as an advisor in the administrative department and the other as a general leading troops in battle—but they were still both on the battlefield. If Duke Ying of Yingguo, Zhang Fu, also joined the northern expedition, and Zhang Yue met up with the main forces in Xinghe, there would be too many members of the Zhang family in the war zone. “I will bring this up with Yang Mianren and then suggest it together. There should also be people from the Censorate accompanying you this time. If there’s anyone you consider suitable, feel free to tell me directly. With the emperor’s approval, Liu Guan should not pose any difficulties.”