Chapter 559: Hope

Even without Zhu Zhanji’s words, Yuan Fang intended to leave the palace immediately to return to his office. Now that he had the chance to accompany Zhang Yue on the way, he had no reason to refuse. After sending the Jinyiwei away to follow from a distance, he walked side by side with Zhang Yue. Although it was a busy time for all the departments, few others passed by, and those behind them were all his own subordinates he had promoted. Yet he remained silent, hands behind his back, true to his usual reserved and quiet nature.

Zhang Yue, however, had a lot to say. Although Xiang Long and Liu Bao had left first, Yuan Fang had only left Xuanfu slightly earlier than him. Even if they found out, it would take some time before they could take action. Besides, since someone had already gone to Kaifeng Prefecture to investigate the past deployment of the Jinyiwei during the flood, they likely wouldn’t give up easily. How exactly had Yuan Fang resolved this issue?

Though they had been in Kaifeng Prefecture together, it was natural for his father to know Yuan Fang. If someone inquired about the past deployment of the Jinyiwei, a well-crafted lie would suffice to cover it up. But since they had already become suspicious and investigated, there would likely be more follow-ups. Even if nothing else happened, as long as Yuan Fang remained the commander of the Jinyiwei and the Zhang family remained influential, others would keep watching them. Out of the four commanders of the Jinyiwei since the Hongwu era, the first three hadn’t ended well. He couldn’t let this elder who cared about him repeat their fate.

Moreover, with the emperor not in the capital and Yuan Fang far away in Xuanfu, it made no sense. He must have been sent there by someone else, indicating that this position no longer held the same power as before—now it was feared by others. Under such circumstances, the goodwill of the Eastern Palace was crucial. Otherwise, after all his hard work, Yuan Fang would have no choice but to flee.

Yet gaining the Eastern Palace’s goodwill carried great risks, and if the emperor found out, it would be catastrophic—just like the danger Liu Yongcheng was facing now. He didn’t know exactly what kind of relationship existed between his father and Yuan Fang, but it seemed to go beyond that of mere friends. Considering the care he had received over the years, he hoped this elder wouldn’t have to hide forever but could enter the Zhang family’s home openly, rather than having to send invitations secretly like during his own wedding.

With these thoughts, he lowered his voice and said indistinctly, “Uncle Yuan, I hope one day we can talk and laugh openly.”

Although Zhang Yue barely moved his lips as he spoke, Yuan Fang still heard every word clearly, his heart filled with mixed emotions. After all, he had been involved in the secretive work of the Jinyiwei for fifteen years, and no matter how turbulent his feelings, he could completely hide them from his face. Yet his hand hidden in his sleeve clenched tightly, and he took a deep breath.

“You and your father are exactly the same; he said the same thing to me when he last returned.”

Spilling out the long-held desires in one breath, Zhang Yue felt a sense of relief, but soon after heard Yuan Fang’s barely audible sigh. After a moment, he thought of his father, who had been quietly planning and providing strong support behind the scenes, and his heart warmed further, a faint smile appearing on his lips.

“I am my father’s son, so naturally I share his hopes.”

After saying this, he glanced at Yuan Fang subtly and saw the faint paleness at the temples beneath his official hat, confirming that what he had said was right. After a pause, he said softly, “The reason I was sent back by the emperor this time is that the emperor received a secret report from the capital mentioning that the crown prince pardoned Zhang He, the son-in-law of Minister Lu. The emperor was furious, believing the crown prince was abusing his power to win over people’s hearts. The report probably mentioned other things as well; that very night, Scholars Yang Jin and the other were summoned to the imperial tent, and I never saw them again until I was ordered to leave.”

Before Yuan Fang could respond, Zhang Yue also recounted the matter of Liu Yongcheng. Yuan Fang nodded, saying he had already received news from Xiang Long and Liu Bao, but he was still shocked to hear that Zhang Yue had been assassinated at Jiming Post. At this point, Zhang Yue advised, “This shows that even with great effort to build an intelligence network, it’s impossible to control everything, especially since there are others in charge of the Jinyiwei now. The top priority now is to resolve this matter, but please, Uncle Yuan, think more about the future. Career prospects can wait; nothing is more important than staying safe. You’ve worked hard your whole life—having a peaceful old age is the true blessing.”

When they reached the east gate of Wumen, more officials were coming and going, so Zhang Yue stopped talking. After exiting through the Left Gate of Chang’an and joining Peng Shisan and the others waiting there, he watched as Yuan Fang led a group of Jinyiwei officers on horseback and rode away at full speed. Only then did he turn around. It was then he realized that compared to the dozens of riders at first, only Peng Shisan, Niu Gan, Zhang Bu, and a few others remained—just five in total.

“The imperial guards from the Imperial Horse Supervision Department have gone back. They said if the young master needs them in the future, they’ll be ready to follow orders at any time.”
“Let them go back then. If it’s not an absolute emergency, why would I give them orders?” Zhang Yue sneered. He knew that Liu Yongcheng must have had other intentions in choosing these people to return, and since the emperor had agreed, it was likely that the matter hadn’t yet occurred. “Let’s go back too. We’ve been on the go outside for almost a year; it’s time to rest. Even if the sky falls, we can deal with it tomorrow! As for you four, though this is your first time in the capital, treat it as your own home once you’re here!”
After the hustle and bustle of recent days, the Yangwu Bo’s residence in Wu’an Marquis Lane was no longer crowded with guests, but it still wasn’t quiet at all. Furniture, decorations, and various items came in and out through the back alley, while women from various families came in and out through the west and east gates to pay their respects. There was never a break in the traffic of carriages and horses in front of the gate, leaving the gatekeepers too busy to even take a break. The butler, Gao Quan, had to select six clever young men from the servants to take over shifts, while he himself was busy greeting guests and sending them off, with no time even to catch his breath.
That day, after seeing off the Lady of Xing’an Bo’s carriage, he planned to go inside to sit down and rest. Suddenly, he heard the sound of hurried horse hooves. His sharp ears detected that there was no sound of wheels, so he quickly stopped and peeked out. With just one glance, he recognized the person on horseback. Without waiting for the horse to stop, he rushed out, both surprised and delighted.
“Third young master, why didn’t you send anyone to let us know you were coming back! Lian Sheng and Lian Hu returned but didn’t know anything—none of them knew what they were doing with you!”
“Hmm, I’m back!” After stopping the horse, Zhang Yue leaped down skillfully and tossed the reins to a gatekeeper who rushed over. Glancing at Gao Quan, he smiled and said, “Those two boys did well. Don’t be too strict with them, Gao Quan. You seem thin—must be all the chores at home keeping you busy. You’ve really worked hard. By the way, I heard our family is having double joy—our fourth brother is getting married?”
“That’s right. And the third young mistress is also pregnant. The old lady is overjoyed!” Gao Quan led Zhang Yue inside while talking, “Everyone in the family is busy preparing for the fourth young master’s wedding—everything from procurement to decorations to the rituals. Not a single person, from the masters to the servants, has had a good rest this month. Besides…”

Seeing Zhang Yue’s cheerful expression and recalling his words about double joy in the family, Gao Quan’s heart grew dark. He knew Zhang Yue had no idea that the Gu family was already suffering from an incurable illness. Noticing the third young master turn his head in surprise at these words, he had originally intended not to mention it, but realizing it was only a matter of time before it would be uncovered, he gritted his teeth and said, “Not only is there double joy in the family, but the old lady is in very poor health now. She not only suffers from frequent heart palpitations but also seems increasingly weak. She can hardly get out of bed and must stay inside at all times.”

“Grandmother’s condition has reached such a severe level?”

Muttering to himself, and remembering that he knew nothing outside, Zhang Yue felt a pang of worry. He had no desire to ask further and instead entrusted Niu Gan and the others to Gao Quan. He also sent Peng Shisan back to the British Duke’s residence first, then hurried inside. Since someone had informed him, as soon as he entered the second gate, several maids who had been waiting there stepped forward to greet him. He didn’t bother to talk to each of them individually. As he nodded and was about to move on, he suddenly saw Cui Mama nearby and called her over to give her a few instructions. Learning that Du Wan had brought Cui Mo to the mansion to talk today, he found it strange but still ordered that she be kept there for now.

The northern courtyard remained as neat and solemn as before, except that the two maids standing at the main house entrance were new faces. As soon as Zhang Yue entered the courtyard, one of those in green hurried over, bowed, and said, “Third young master, the old lady is still asleep. Sister Bai Fang is taking care of her inside. She just came out and suggested that you go see the young mistress first, change into some clothes, and come back once the old lady wakes up.”

“I haven’t been back for almost a year. I should at least see my grandmother first. As for clothes, find me a clean one to wear.”

Zhang Yue first washed his face and then put on a clean shirt before heading straight inside. Seeing that the main hall was empty, he stepped lightly and entered the east room through the door on the right. The furnishings here were exactly the same as before, except that half of the curtain was drawn over the large bed made of carved yellow rosewood against the wall. Bai Fang, who was sitting at the foot of the bed, stood up quickly to greet him, but he shook his head and gestured for her to leave first.

Bai Fang glanced at Lady Gu on the bed. Though worried, seeing Zhang Yue’s resolute expression, she could only tiptoe out quietly. Once she left, Zhang Yue stepped forward and sat at the foot of the bed, carefully observing his grandmother covered with a layer of gauze quilt. It had been nearly a year since they last saw each other, and Lady Gu appeared much older—her silver hair seemed to have lost its luster, and her face had become significantly thinner. Seeing that she was still frowning slightly in her sleep, he moved closer, feeling even more guilty.

Over the years, the emperor had forced him to travel everywhere—north, south, east, and west—leaving him with very little time at home. In plain terms, it was difficult to balance loyalty and filial duty. If he had known earlier that he would want to care for his parents but they would no longer be around, he wouldn’t have focused solely on making the most of this second chance in life; delaying the imperial examinations by a few years would have been fine. Though wealth and honor were good, true joy came from sharing them with family.

After sitting quietly for a while, he saw Lady Gu stir slightly and then move her lips as if saying something. Not hearing clearly at first, he leaned in and asked softly, “What do you need, grandmother?”

Lady Gu, still drowsy, heard his voice and slowly opened her eyes. Recognizing the person before her, she suddenly came back to her senses, her face showing both surprise and confusion. “Brother Yue, have you returned? Am I dreaming?”

“I arrived in the capital this afternoon. I went to the palace to handle some matters first, then rushed back home.” Seeing Lady Gu reach out from under the quilt, Zhang Yue quickly took her hand and smiled. “I’ve been here for a while, but since you were still asleep, I didn’t make a sound. It’s still early. If you’re tired, you can sleep a bit more.”

“I don’t even know how many hours I need to sleep each day. If I sleep any longer, it will be too much.”

Lady Gu shook her head gently and then signaled Zhang Yue to help her sit up. Seeing him quickly bring over two blue pillows from the side and place them properly behind her back and neck, she leaned back comfortably. She took a moment to look him up and down before sighing.

“Since you started working as an official, you must have gone through countless hardships outside. This time was the scariest. I only found out later. Although I blame them for hiding it from me, I also know that if I had known the truth at that time, I wouldn’t have just been worried—I would have been terrified. They say one must endure great hardships to become great, but only those who experience them can truly understand how bitter those hardships are.”

“It’s all in the past now. Grandmother, please don’t worry about it. I’ve returned safely, haven’t I? You just need to take good care of yourself. Once Fourth Brother’s marriage is arranged, we’ll be able to hold our grandchildren again.” Zhang Yue knew what to say and firmly avoided mentioning Lady Gu’s illness, choosing instead comforting words. “You celebrated your seventieth birthday this year. In a few years, when you turn eighty, we’ll have four generations living under one roof—our family will be even more lively than it is now!”

“I doubt I’ll live that long,” Lady Gu replied irritably, shaking her head. Seeing Zhang Yue about to speak again, she lost her smile. “Seeing our family thrive like this already fills me with satisfaction. The reason I’ve kept going and not let the God of Death take me is only because of those three unfinished wishes. Brother Jiu isn’t married yet, and you and your second uncle haven’t returned. Now that you’re home and Brother Jiu is about to get married, and hearing that your second uncle is achieving success after success, it’s time for me to rest. I’ve already had Lingxi prepare everything for my funeral. As for the rest, I’ve entrusted it to your eldest aunt…”

“Grandmother!”

Hearing Zhang Yue call out to her and feeling his hands tightly gripping hers, Lady Gu couldn’t help but smile gratefully. She then gently patted his hand with her left hand. “Although I asked the Duke of Ying to step in and oversee the family division in case anything happens, I really don’t want our family to split up like this. It’s true that everyone has their own thoughts, but together we’re stronger. I don’t want my descendants to become as distant as the three brothers of the Duke of Ying. Brother Yue, you and your brothers are much closer and more harmonious than your father’s generation. Please never let your bonds weaken.”

At that moment, Zhang Yue’s eyes were already red. He nodded firmly and said, “I know, Grandmother. Don’t worry!”

“Since you’ve agreed, I’m naturally relieved,” Mrs. Gu sighed deeply, closing her eyes halfway. “Lingxi has been with me for over a decade. I’ve watched her grow from a young girl into the capable person she is today. Of course, I hope she can find a good home. Knowing you value loyalty and won’t abandon someone once you’ve got them, I hoped your wife would have a helper like Wan Niang who cherishes her. That’s why I gave her to you. When your wife and the others returned from Xuanfu, Qiuhen Hupo kowtowed to me, and Lingxi also made her intentions clear. Forced relationships don’t work. Since she has such feelings and you’re willing to accommodate her, what more could I ask for? My wish is simple: for this entire family to thrive and flourish, living in harmony forever…”