Chapter 610: The Unusual Notes of the Dragon Boat Festival

Though he was already an older man, during festivals, the Qiu family still preferred to handle things themselves. This time, they prepared a whole three-layered food box full of zongzi for Zhang Yue. There were red bean zongzi, shiitake mushroom zongzi, lotus seed zongzi, adzuki bean zongzi, mung bean zongzi, and white rice zongzi—all wrapped in small bamboo leaves, about the size of two fingers, bright green and extremely cute, and all vegetarian. After accepting them and expressing his thanks, Zhang Yue went to the study to see his father-in-law, Du Zhen. Regarding Du Zhen’s mention of withdrawing troops, he spoke frankly.

“Father-in-law, although Annam was under Chinese rule before the Tang Dynasty, it has always resisted central authority due to its remote location. When the emperor sent troops there, many Annamese people were overjoyed because of the tyrannical rule of Annam’s puppet king. But since the Ming Dynasty turned Annam into a provincial administration and the eunuch stationed there, Ma Qi, acted recklessly, the rebels took advantage of the situation and incited the people, leading to widespread rebellion. Although Li Li has been captured, you should know that the Duke of Ying sent troops there three times after pacifying Annam precisely because rebellious local officials kept emerging. It was shortsighted of them to have to recall not only the main forces but also Minister Huang Fu.”

“You’re right. But from what Yang Mianren and Jin Youzi said, Annam is like a useless asset—useless if kept but a waste if discarded. Maintaining troops there incurs heavy costs, and the Ministry of Revenue can no longer afford to supply them year after year.”

Seeing that Zhang Yue wanted to speak, Du Zhen waved his hand, his expression growing more serious. “The emperor certainly doesn’t want to give up this territory, but who knows what will happen in the future? Long-term stability can’t rely solely on Minister Huang Fu or just your Zhang family. A long-term strategy is necessary. You mentioned strategies for Annam before; now it’s time to think it through carefully—what’s its value, how to maintain peace there, how to assign officials and troops. Organize these points again, and I’ll discuss them with you. Then I’ll deliver them to Yang Mianren on your behalf.”

Recalling how he had directly brought up Annam’s matter to Minister of War Fang Bin without going through the proper channels, causing Fang Bin to be unfriendly toward him for days, Zhang Yue understood that his father-in-law had good intentions. Among the four members of the cabinet, Du Zhen and Yang Shiqi focused on civil affairs, while Yang Rong and Jin Youzi focused on military affairs. Though this was just an established practice, it wasn’t necessary to break it unless absolutely required.

“Understood. I’ll think it over carefully later.”

“Good. It’s getting late. Go back quickly so your family doesn’t wait too long!”

Du Zhen knew that the Zhang family would surely gather together that night, so he sent Zhang Yue back first. But not long after he left, Du Zhen suddenly remembered that the emperor had personally inquired about matters in the Ministry of War today, seemingly because Minister Zhao Jin was overwhelmed and needed another person to assist. Yet, the workload in the Ministry of War wasn’t that heavy yet—was there another reason? Thinking of Jin Youzi’s hint to him—that even Minister of Rites Lu Zhen had suffered due to his son-in-law’s mistakes—and considering that with him in the cabinet and Zhang Yue having limited prospects in the court, and the father-in-law and son-in-law both in office making it easy for censors to find fault with them, it would be better for Zhang Yue to be sent out as a prefect to gain experience, Du Zhen raised his eyebrows.

He knew all too well that things were difficult in the court but open-ended outside. The emperor’s health was far from what it used to be; he would often fly into rage and punish people. By staying far away, Zhang Yue could avoid such troubles. But this wasn’t something he could decide on his own!

By evening, there were few pedestrians on the streets—partly because a curfew was approaching, and partly because it was the Dragon Boat Festival. Families who could afford it prepared calamus wine, realgar wine, and zongzi to celebrate the festival livelyly. Thus, the few remaining pedestrians were in a hurry, and Zhang Yue was no exception. As he passed by Xisi Pailou, he casually looked up and saw several heads hanging from the flagpole, which had turned brownish-black.

Although executions usually took place after autumn, the Ministry of Punishments, the Censorate, and the Imperial Guards often carried out executions regardless of the season. However, the heads on that flagpole didn’t belong to commoners convicted of capital crimes—they were four genuine court officials. Just two months ago, Censor Wang Yu, along with a staff member from the Ministry of Punishments and two officers from the Imperial Guards, a total of four people, executed four innocent people by mistake. When the matter reached the emperor, all four were executed on the spot at Xisi Pailou. Two months later, those four heads still hung high, serving as a stark warning to court officials.

“Young master!”

Zhang Yue was thinking that although wrongful deaths required retribution, the families of the four wrongfully killed could no longer be compensated—when suddenly he heard a voice and snapped back to reality. He saw Hu Qi emerging from some corner, and with a thought, he quickly dismounted and stepped forward. Peng Shisan knew these two must have something to discuss, so he stopped the four Niu Gan from following.

“How is it going?”

“We’ve got them under control. That Fang Rui is no longer a significant figure; we can capture him once we find the right opportunity.”

“That’s good. Find the best opportunity to act.”

Seeing Hu Qi nod, Zhang Yue knew he didn’t need to worry at all about leaving such matters to experts, and thus his concern was relieved. There was nothing to say to such stubborn and deluded people. At such a critical moment, the only option was to create some illusion to get them out first and send them away immediately, to avoid future troubles. As for where to send them, he already had an idea.

“By the way, there’s something you should have Lord Yuan investigate thoroughly later. A clerk in the Secretariat has secretly hidden many drafts discarded by the Eastern Palace officials. That person has already been driven away by Lord Zou, the Deputy Secretary. Lord Zou is concerned about what happened to those people in the past and doesn’t want to make a fuss, but I think although this person claims to want to use these manuscripts to make money, who knows if he has other motives. This is also a serious matter that shouldn’t be underestimated, after all, the Secretariat is full of people from the Eastern Palace.”

Hearing this sudden news, Hu Qi became very alert. After agreeing, he asked detailed questions. He controlled half of Yuan Fang’s spies but had yet to find the right opportunity to officially join the Jinyiwei. Therefore, he was naturally extremely interested in this case involving the Eastern Palace. As he spoke, he glanced around. Seeing that almost no one was passing by on the road, he looked at the head on the flagpole and, after pondering for a moment, decided to say a bit more.

“Young master, ever since you were impeached by the Censorate once before, Lord Yuan has had people keeping an eye on that place. Liu Guan, the Left Censor-in-Chief, is highly trusted by the emperor, but the crown prince doesn’t like him very much. During the regency period, the crown prince even rebuked him verbally, but the emperor then issued an edict from Beijing, ordering the crown prince not to humiliate a minister. Although this man made mistakes later, he was promoted again and is extremely greedy for wealth. Though he is a civil official, he still needs to be watched carefully. Wang Yu, the Censor who was wrongly executed for killing an innocent person, was Liu Guan’s confidant, and this wasn’t the first time he made a wrongful judgment. So this time, Lord Yuan seized the opportunity to get rid of him along with those troublesome hundredenars from the Jinyiwei! Lord Yuan told me not to say this, but I think it’s better to keep you in the loop.”

Hearing this, Zhang Yue suddenly understood, and his heart grew even heavier. Over the years, he didn’t know how many favors he had received from Yuan Fang, and it seemed impossible to repay them all. Even though his father, Zhang Zhuo, and Yuan Fang were close friends, Yuan Fang’s repeated help far exceeded what an ordinary elder would show a younger one. With a soft sigh, he lowered his voice.

“Don’t hide such things from me in the future. Remember to tell Lord Yuan to be careful in everything and to take good care of himself!”

Hu Qi now had a thick beard again and bore the title of Zhang family guard. He would occasionally report for duty, but most of the time he was out on errands and rarely stayed by Zhang Yue’s side. Once he left quietly, Zhang Yue turned around and mounted his horse, still pondering Yuan Fang’s plans, remaining silent throughout the journey. Only when he entered Wuanhou Hutong did he regain his focus and stop his horse in front of the door at the west corner of his house.

“Third young master, the Duchess of Yingguo has arrived. She brought not only the young master and the young miss but also Miss Ke!” the gatekeeper said with a broad smile, then winked at Peng Shisan, who had dismounted. “Uncle Peng’s wife is here too. Right now she’s in the main house, chatting with them!”

“She comes around so often—does it really deserve a special mention?” Peng Shisan, who was never shy, replied carelessly with a laugh. “Besides, she’s always been concerned about this place. It’s only right for everyone to gather and celebrate during major festivals. My wife and I are already like an old married couple—stop trying to tease me!”

Zhang Yue was used to Peng Shisan’s whimsical way of speaking, but hearing the words “old married couple” as he dismounted nearly made him lose his balance. After finally stabilizing himself, he shook his head irritably—Peng Shisan and Lingxi had been married for less than half a year and already called themselves an old married couple. What about him?

Since there were no elders in the family and Lady Wang was closest to Du Wan, she would go straight to the main house in the west courtyard whenever she visited, and this time was no exception. Ever since Li Maofang’s death, she had felt relieved, and today she brought Zhang Ke along to relax. Seeing Zhang Yue enter and bow, along with the zongzi she brought from the Du family, she smiled. “During the Dragon Boat Festival, people make and eat zongzi to celebrate. Luckily, I knew someone here would bring some. This morning I went to the palace to see the Crown Princess and got a few sachets and colored ribbons. She specifically asked me to give them to the younger ones. Yue, come here.”

Knowing that the Crown Princess Zhang was now in charge of the six palaces, Zhang Yue wasn’t surprised at all. Hearing Lady Wang’s last words, though he didn’t understand their meaning, he stepped forward. When Lady Wang pulled the jade pendant from his waist and pulled him aside, he grew even more puzzled. It wasn’t until Du Wan personally hung a sachet on his belt that he realized what was going on.

“Atractylodes, Angelica dahurica, Calamus, Kaempferia galanga, Realgar, Borneol, Camphor, Realgar… These are all used to repel insects and prevent diseases. Xiao Wu specifically instructed that the herbs inside should be replaced every ten days. There are many diseases during the Dragon Boat Festival, so prevention is necessary.” Du Wan smiled as she looked at Zhang Yue, then pointed at the several children running around the room. “There are people coming in and out of the yamen all the time. Be careful not to pass on any illnesses to the children. I made extra of these, and with Amber and Qiu Hen’s contributions, there will be enough for you to replace them!”
Only then did Zhang Yue realize where the smell of traditional Chinese medicine in the room came from. He picked up the sachet and saw its fine stitching, which reminded him of the clothes Du Wan had made for her own children by hand. While he was distracted, more people entered the room, and soon there was a flurry of greetings and conversations, creating a bustling atmosphere. Even Zhang Ke, who had usually remained silent, gradually smiled as she was pulled along by some girls of similar age.
Amidst the lively preparations for the festival, an out-of-place voice came from outside: “Is the third young master here? Someone from the Ministry of War is urgently looking for him!”