Chapter 620: The Son-in-Law Still Needs His Father-in-Law

On the third day of the sixth month was the day of the Wanshi Festival, when Xiao Wu would get married. Since Xiao Wu had personally come to invite her and remembered all the help she had given over the years, Meng Min naturally wouldn’t miss such an important occasion. Early in the morning, she took Cui Mo and headed to the city, going straight to the Du family’s house. Even though she was a adopted daughter, Du Zhen still managed to take time off, being as busy as he had been when he married Du Wan back then. Naturally, as her elder sister, Du Wan also rushed home the night before and stayed up all night helping out.

Meanwhile, although Xiao Wu, as the bride-to-be, was the least busy, she became extremely nervous starting from the countdown to the wedding, to the point of losing her appetite. On the morning of her wedding, she was so stiff as a log. If it weren’t for Du Wan and Meng Min talking to her nonstop from either side, she might not have even been able to speak. Worrying about this and that, she even thought of going back to invite her master, Feng Yuanming, who happened to not be at home.

Finally, when saying goodbye to her parents, she regained some energy. It wasn’t until she got into the bridal sedan that she burst into tears, not even caring about her smudged makeup. Was she really getting married? She, who had always said she wouldn’t marry in this life, was finally doing so?

Because the Wanshi Festival allowed only three days off from the Ministry of War for the wedding, the celebration lasted only one day, with guests being relatives and friends from both sides. Du Zhen was known for his cold demeanor; after all, not many of his clan members were in the capital, and he had only a few friends. Wan Shi Festival also had just a few close colleagues, so eight tables were enough in their new courtyard. After a lively evening, before entering the bridal chamber, Wan Shi Festival took Zhang Yue to the outer courtyard.

“I originally thought my life would just be that of a poor scholar. Who would have thought I’d pass the imperial exams, have a smooth career, and now marry a wife I love? I’m already very satisfied! Yuanjie, if fate allows, let’s establish a family connection in the future. Don’t mind my poverty!”

Seeing Wan Shi Festival laugh loudly three times before stepping into the bridal chamber under the starry sky, Zhang Yue was momentarily stunned before laughing too. In those days, marriages were arranged by parents and matchmakers, but exceptions did exist. If their descendants were destined to be together, it would indeed be a good match. If Wan Shi Festival and Xiao Wu had children, they would surely inherit their parents’ straightforwardness. As for him… future generations would have their own blessings. For their comfortable future, he would fight hard all the way!

Since Yang Shiqi, Yang Rong, and Jin Youzi were all busy cabinet ministers attending court daily, they merely had a toast for the celebration that night and returned home early. The officials from the Ministry of War and the Hanlin Academy, concerned about the morning court session the next day, also did not dare to go home too late. Thus, when Zhang Yue returned to the banquet, although it was not yet the time of Xu, almost no guests remained in the once lively courtyard. He looked around, greeted a few attendants who had come to help, and then left as well.

Although it was already late, after some thought, he decided to head to the Du family’s residence in Huai Tree Alley. Firstly, his wife might not have returned yet, and secondly, he wanted to visit his father-in-law, who had just had a daughter married. Indeed, the excitement from the wedding earlier in the day had not yet faded; unlike usual, when lights were turned off early for sleep, lights were still on inside and outside, and people’s laughter could still be heard.

The gatekeeper, Yue Shan, cheerfully escorted Zhang Yue to the door of Du Zhen’s study, after which Mo Yu came out to lead him in. Since the study consisted of two rooms, after leading Zhang Yue into the outer room, Mo Yu whispered something to him.

“Master is especially happy today. He had a few drinks at dinner and even composed poems in high spirits after entering the study! But later, Grand Secretary Yang came from Wan Jia’s place after the celebration and stayed for a while. We don’t know what was said, but Master’s expression turned gloomy. Now he’s back to reviewing important documents, as if he’s faced some difficulty. Since you’re here, why not help Master out?”

Although Mo Yu had worked in the study for over a decade and could read and write, he knew little about court affairs, and Du Zhen never explained such things to them. Seeing his hopeful expression, Zhang Yue didn’t want to draw a line between official and personal matters. Unless necessary or related to tasks requiring his involvement, nothing about the cabinet would be revealed. So he simply nodded. When he entered the inner room, he saw his father-in-law sitting at the desk, chin in hand, deep in thought. He stepped forward.

Du Zhen had already heard the noise outside and knew Zhang Yue had arrived again. Seeing him, he naturally asked in detail about the celebration. After hearing what Zhang Yue had said about the Wan Shi Festival, he twirled his beard, pondering the possibilities, eventually becoming lost in thought. It took him a while to shake off his fatherly concerns and gently coughed.

“Just now, Brother Shiqi came by and happened to mention the Wan Shi Festival. Minister of Rites Lu Zhen specifically requested to transfer him there. It’s just an ordinary transfer, but…”

After pondering for a long time and seeing Zhang Yue’s highly attentive expression, Du Zhen decided to speak directly: “Wan Shijie hasn’t wasted his time in the Armory Department over the years. Just yesterday, he submitted a chart showing the annual military equipment consumption of all the defense units across the country—no doubt he put in a lot of effort. Zhao Jin, the Minister of War, and Minister Li Qing both praised it highly. Lü Zhen, who was short-staffed, approached them and even suggested promoting Wan Shijie. Lü Zhen is decisive by nature, unlike you. I’m worried his personality might get him into trouble.”

Hearing that Wan Shijie was to be transferred from the Ministry of War to the Ministry of Rites, Zhang Yue was also very surprised. However, he knew better than anyone that Wan Shijie, though seemingly careless on the surface, was actually extremely meticulous. He thought it would be fine to keep an eye on things later. But the next words from Du Zhen lifted his spirits.

“There were already rumors swirling before the matter with the Oirats was settled, and the emperor was furious. From what I can tell, the emperor is also wary of the Oirats and may not approve of Tuohan’s request. Moreover, even if someone does need to be sent, with those rumors already circulating, it’s unlikely you’ll be chosen. The emperor said yesterday in front of several ministers that excessive training is just causing trouble and told them not to keep thinking only of you.”

With the emperor’s words, Zhang Yue finally felt relieved. Yet he still couldn’t shake off the series of incidents he encountered when meeting Zhang Chao that day. Since Du Zhen had been busy with Xiao Wu’s marriage these days, he hadn’t had the chance to discuss it with him, so now he recounted everything in detail. Finally, he said seriously, “These rumors aren’t baseless. There must be someone behind them. That’s why the common people fear another war and conscription. As for the matter of dismissing military officers, it must be someone in the court who leaked the news and then exaggerated it, causing those officers to harbor resentment. Sir, I think the situation is very bad.”

As he listened, Du Zhen’s brows gradually furrowed. He was no longer the young scholar who had passed the imperial examinations years ago, nor was he a literati devoted to poetry and writing. He didn’t interfere in matters outside his scope, but when he was in charge, he had to think ahead. After careful consideration, he suddenly remembered Yang Shiqi mentioning that when Wan Shijie was promoted, it seemed the censors in the Censorate were plotting to impeach someone. His heart tightened immediately.

“I will mention this matter to Brother Shi Qi and Mianren Youzi. You should be extra careful these days. Investigating local customs and conditions is the duty of the thirteen censors. Since you say no one in the court has brought it up, it must be that someone in the Censorate has suppressed the matter. Liu Guan, the Left Censor-in-Chief, is extravagant and greedy for wealth, yet the emperor still favors him greatly. Every official fears this chief censor. You’ve already been impeached twice; with such a situation, you need to be even more careful not to be impeached again.”
Upon his father-in-law’s reminder, Zhang Yue immediately thought of what Hu Qi had said last time. Yuan Fang, who usually stayed low-key, suddenly severed Liu Guan’s arm two months ago and even risked ridicule by getting rid of two Jinyiwei officers—there must be deeper reasons behind this. Recalling his own past impeachment, he frowned deeply.
According to the convention among cabinet ministers, Du Zhen is likely to serve as the chief examiner in next year’s imperial examinations. By then, he might have as many disciples as Yang Rong and Yang Shi Qi. But after all, Zhang Yue is the disciple he has personally spent countless efforts teaching. Since he was already worried that Zhang Yue might become a target for the censors, he naturally had to give him detailed advice.
“Among the seven high-ranking officials in the court before, Fang Bin and Liu Guan were the greediest for wealth. But Fang Bin wasn’t as bold as Liu Guan, nor as resourceful, so he failed immediately and had no chance to recover. Liu Guan first managed to navigate between Chen Ying, the Left Censor-in-Chief, and Wu Zhong, the Right Censor-in-Chief, and later was promoted to minister of a department. He was reprimanded by the crown prince and later demoted to a clerk in his own department, but eventually recovered and was promoted again to Left Censor-in-Chief—this shows his exceptional abilities. Yang Mianren enjoys the emperor’s favor and is highly wary of Liu Guan, so he dares not provoke him easily. You must be even more cautious.”
“Thank you for your reminder. I will definitely be extra careful about this matter.”
After discussing serious matters, Zhang Yue brought up his son’s second birthday in three days, saying he wanted to hold a small celebration at home that evening. Du Zhen, who always loved his grandson, immediately agreed to attend if he wasn’t on duty that night. With this promise, Zhang Yue planned to go see Du Wan. But as soon as he stood up, the door curtain outside was pulled back forcefully.
“Seeing you two sweating so much, you didn’t even open the windows!” Qiu Shi, who was leading the way, personally carried a tray and placed it on the plum blossom table beside them. She then smiled at Zhang Yue, “It’s hot tonight. I heard you were coming, so I prepared an extra bowl of mung bean and lily soup. Although it’s hot, drinking ice-cold soup is bad for the stomach. This warm soup is just right. Drink it before leaving to relieve the heat. You must be exhausted from all your busy work today!”

Zhang Yue had always regarded Lady Qiu in a manner similar to his own mother, so he quickly stepped forward with a smile to express his gratitude. He first handed a bowl to Du Zhen, then picked up the remaining bowl and drank it all in one gulp before following Lady Qiu to the back yard. He had always respected this mother-in-law, and hearing her chatter made her seem even more endearing and admirable. But as they passed through the moon gate at the front, he suddenly caught two names—one after another. The first name put an end to a concern he had, while the second name made his heart flutter again.
“This morning, when Miss Meng came to the house to deliver the wedding gifts, she talked for a long time with Wan’er and Xiao Wu. I heard her say that she would be moving into the city in a few days, not far from the Marquis of Baoding’s residence, so she could have someone to look after her… Two days ago, on the Crown Princess’s birthday, I and other officials went to the Eastern Palace to pay our respects. By chance, I saw that young man from the Fang family who had come to our house with gifts when you got married. All these years later, he seems even more handsome and spirited…”