Chapter 635: Absolutely Risk-Free

Although Zhu Di had made several northern tours while in Nanjing in the past, those times were vastly different from the present, so many people kept a close eye on the entourage this time. When the list of civil and military officials accompanying him was made public, it turned out that the names were mostly the same as before, with few new faces.

Among the nobles were Marquis Liu Sheng of Anyuan, Marquis Xue Lu of Yangwu, Marquis Meng Ying of Baoding, Marquis Chen Mao of Ningyang, and Earl Xu Heng of Xing’an, among others. Among the civil officials were Yang Rong, Jin Youzi, Guo Zi, Li Qing, and others. Since the entourage was provided with a month’s worth of rations and only traveled along the Great Wall rather than far into the northern regions, the pressure on the Ministry of Revenue was much less. As for those remaining in the capital, in addition to Crown Prince Zhu Gaochi and various civil officials, Zhu Yong, the Duke of Cheng, was in charge of the military camp and also oversaw the Central Military Command.

Since August brought the provincial examinations in Shuntian Prefecture, the once-a-three-years major exams, many scholars had already gathered in the capital to prepare. The news of this northern tour immediately sparked lively discussions among them. This was a tour, not a military campaign, so the number of laborers called upon was limited. Yet, in restaurants and eateries, people still discussed the country’s expenditures over the years with great enthusiasm.

Of course, amid these passionate discussions, many others seized the limited time to learn about the preferences and backgrounds of the examiners, practiced their calligraphy, which was not yet perfect, or studied the Four Books and Five Classics repeatedly, hoping to pass the exams at once and secure a spot in the next year’s examinations.

The Zhang family’s courtyard had another guest these days. Gu Bin finally managed to get leave from the Censorate only recently. But since Yang Rong was busy with military affairs and had no time for him, he simply came here to study with Zhang Jiu and Fang Jing. Those two had already been endlessly discussing essays, and now they spent their days arguing, using any spare time to practice calligraphy. Compared to Gu Bin and Fang Jing—one quiet and the other simple—Zhang Jiu had his lovely wife helping him prepare exam materials, adding a touch of warmth to his hard work.

It was the last night before the exams. Since they had to rise before dawn the next day to head to the examination hall, Zhang Jiu went back to his room early. As soon as he entered, he saw the huge three-layered examination basket. Having taken the major exams twice before, he was no stranger to it. In the past, it had been his mother, Feng, who prepared it, but now it was his wife—making him feel a bit disoriented.

“It’s all things that Third Sister and I discussed together to prepare. These are the four treasures of the study, these are homemade dried food cakes, these are rice, these are eggs, and these are various rice cakes that won’t spoil easily in autumn. Also, this is a specially made kettle for boiling water to drink. Thanks to Third Brother reminding me; otherwise, you’d have to drink cold water and risk getting sick. Oh, I forgot to include the amulet—I went to Daqing Shousi Temple just to get it a few days ago…”

Observing mourning rites and fulfilling filial duties is part of the customs. So although they got married under auspicious circumstances, Zheng Fangfei had only spent time in bed with Zhang Jiu over the past year. Though they were affectionate, neither could cross any boundaries. Hearing his wife keep muttering about various things, Zhang Jiu’s face turned reddening, looking extremely cute. He couldn’t help but step forward, embrace her, and give her a gentle kiss. Seeing her stand there at a loss, he still didn’t let go.

“It’s not my first time going on such a trip. Everything you’ve prepared is more than enough. What use is my cooking skills with an iron pot? I’d mess everything up no matter what I tried! With this weather, it’s fine to bring a few extra clothes—otherwise, we won’t be able to carry that big bundle in. Fangfei, don’t worry. If I couldn’t make your wedding grand back then, I’ll definitely pass the exam this time!”

“Mm, you definitely will!” Zheng Fangfei nodded coquettishly, then stood on tiptoes to tidy Zhang Jiu’s collar. Suddenly, she gave him a light kiss on the lips before stepping back with a smile. “I’ll wait at home for good news from you!”

After playing around for a while, the couple realized there were maids in the room and quickly glanced aside. Only when they noticed the two maids had disappeared without a trace did their faces turn awkward. Just then, a clear voice came from outside: “Young master, young mistress, Third Young Master has arrived!”

Hearing Zhang Yue approaching, Zhang Jiu instinctively checked himself to make sure nothing was amiss before firmly grabbing his wife, who wanted to hide inside. “Third Brother must be here for tomorrow’s exam. He’s leaving the day after tomorrow—perfect timing for us to see him together. Besides, you’ve spent so much time preparing exam materials. If you hide now, who will he praise?”

“Praise who?”

Zhang Yue happened to enter just then and heard the last part of their conversation. He immediately asked. Seeing the couple holding hands, he smiled and said, “It seems I came at the wrong time. Well, I’ll just say a few words and leave right away.”

He caught a glimpse of Zheng Fangfei breaking free from Zhang Jiu’s grasp like lightning, awkwardly bowing to greet him. Zhang Yue nodded, glanced at the examination basket on the table, then moved the bundle behind him to the front. “I’ve already told you about the other things; there’s nothing more to remind you of. I’ve taken care of arranging rooms for the three of you in the examination hall—surely you won’t be assigned to any damp, leaky place with poor lighting, and I doubt anyone would dare give you any substandard candles. But it often blows strong winds in the capital during autumn and winter, and since one side of the examination room is open, I’ve prepared these two weight stones as extra protection. They’re not valuable, so it won’t hurt if they get broken, but they’ll be useful for the exam. There’s also a piece of oilcloth here—not to repair the ceiling, but to hang in front to block the rain.” Zhang Jiu had taken the provincial exams before, but Henan was different from Shuntian Prefecture. Seeing Zhang Yue magically pull out several simple yet practical items from the bundle, he knew these must have been carefully prepared, so he thanked him repeatedly. Then he thought of Gu Bin and Fang Jing. Before he could ask, Zhang Yue nodded with a smile again. “I just gave Xiao Qi Ge and Xiao Fang exactly the same things. One is family, the other is a guest—someone must be taken care of first. Xiao Si, do well in the exam. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Exams test not only ability but also luck and determination.” He placed his hands on Zhang Jiu’s shoulders and fell silent for a moment before instructing, “I’m not worried about your provincial exam in Shuntian Prefecture, but there’s one more thing I need to remind you about.” “Third brother, what is it?” Zhang Yue glanced around. Although no one else was there except Zheng Fangfei, he still felt uneasy, so he signaled his younger sister to come over and whispered to her to keep watch outside. Then he pulled Zhang Jiu into the empty inner room. After pondering for a while, he lowered his voice even more. “Although this northern inspection was decided by the emperor, anything can happen unexpectedly. After all, any change would shock the whole country. You and your eldest and second brothers staying in the capital is safe, but you must pay attention to developments everywhere. Your eldest and second brothers aren’t very strategic, but I know you are. No matter what surprising things happen, remember not to act rashly. If you happen to learn something others don’t, discuss it carefully with your third sister-in-law or go see your eldest aunt. Do you understand?”

After years of studying and spending several years at the Imperial Academy, Zhang Jiu naturally understood the implied meaning in Zhang Yue’s words, and his face turned deathly pale. It took him a while before he managed to swallow hard and nodded firmly. When he saw Zhang Yue reach out his hand, he hesitated for a moment before shaking it, then declared resolutely, “Third brother, don’t worry—there’s me at home!” With this promise, Zhang Yue was naturally relieved. Aside from anything else, Zhang Jiu was extremely smart and quick-witted. Once faced with a situation, he would surely not act impulsively like Zhang Chao. Moreover, as the son-in-law of Marquis Wu’an Zheng Heng, the neighboring family could also be of use at critical moments. He had already asked Lady Wang to warn Duke Cheng Zhu Yong, and the Jinyiwei were keeping a close eye on developments in Shandong. If anything went wrong despite this, it would be fate!

On the morning of the provincial examinations in Shuntian Prefecture, the entrance to the examination hall was bustling with activity. Even officials passing by couldn’t help but recall their own experiences of navigating a narrow path amidst a sea of people. However, once they crossed Chongwenmen Street and entered the imperial city through Chang’an Left Gate, all traces of such emotional excitement vanished.

That day was also the day when the emperor issued an edict to embark on a northern inspection tour. Thus, it became a sleepless night for many. The previous night, Zhang Yue had given instructions to Zhang Jiu and also talked in detail with Zhang Chao and Zhang Qi. That day, he stayed at the Du family’s house along with Du Wan. His father-in-law and mentor was staying in the capital with Yang Shiji to assist the crown prince, bearing a heavy responsibility.

“The emperor chose you to accompany him for no other reason. Danning was abandoned by the emperor’s order, and now it’s being reclaimed by his order—keep this in mind. Your suggestions are merely a catalyst.”

“Yang Rong, Jin Youzi, and others have accompanied the emperor three times, each time serving as military advisors. The soldiers are accustomed to them conveying imperial edicts. In some cases, their influence in the army even exceeds that of the noble commanders!”

“Although the eunuchs in the inner court are led by the Secretariat of Rites, its head, Hou Xian, is not present. Liu Yongcheng, Zheng Wang, Wang Jinghong, and others are all staying in the capital. Only Hai Shou, the deputy head of the Imperial Horse Supervision Agency, is accompanying the emperor this time. It is said that the emperor has also replaced his personal attendants. At critical moments, the attitude of these attendants might be even more important than that of the nobles.”

“The Duke of Yingguo is your great-uncle and also the commander guarding Danning. With the emperor bringing 30,000 elite troops this time, surely some will be wary of his 20,000-strong army. The Duke of Yingguo is a wise man, but in critical moments, if he should become confused, remember to remind him not to seek credit for himself. He is already a hereditary duke with an annual salary of 3,000 dan of grain—there’s little room for further advancement; all that remains is title.”

Du Zhen had always been reserved; even when reminding Zhang Yue, he would speak in just a few words. He had never spoken so much as he did tonight. Frightened by his firm tone, it took Zhang Yue some time before he asked, “Father-in-law, in your opinion, will we encounter Tatar attacks during this journey to Danning?”

“Danning is merely the destination. The emperor will first patrol along the border. Only if there’s no military intelligence will he lead his troops to Danning. The so-called construction of cities is just talk. Sending 30,000 troops to build cities there would be a mockery. In fact, if Qiu Fu hadn’t been utterly defeated earlier, given the emperor’s personality, he wouldn’t have sent 300,000 troops each time—instead, he would have sent them straight into battle or sought a decisive confrontation with the Tatars… Tatar attacks are possible, so be vigilant. Enough of this. I’m telling you all this for one reason only.”

A hint of sarcasm appeared on Du Zhen’s usually calm face. “The emperor changes his ministers with each reign. Though you enjoy the emperor’s trust and come from a distinguished family, you’re not a key figure. In critical moments, don’t make a careless move and become someone else’s pawn!”

Zhang Yue was momentarily stunned, then bowed solemnly. “I understand. Thank you, father-in-law, for your advice. But please be careful in the capital as well. After all, the emperor has endured many hardships over the years. The first three northern expeditions were fraught with dangers, yet he returned safely each time, while those left behind in the capital sometimes faced punishment for various reasons. Even someone like Mr. Dongli, who was pardoned soon after, still caused great worry. You’ve already been in and out of the Jinyiwei prison twice. Even if your mother-in-law is strong, she couldn’t withstand it a third time.”

Since Zhu Di reestablished the Jinyiwei, officials who committed crimes were almost always sent there. The Dali Temple and the Ministry of Punishments had no right to interfere—only the emperor’s word held final authority. As a result, officials of all ranks came in and out of the prison every year, numbering dozens to over a hundred. A few days ago, Du Zhen had met Li Shimian in the Hanlin Academy—him who had been imprisoned for submitting a petition about the fire in the three main halls and had just been released. Deeply shaken by his gray hair, he nodded upon hearing Zhang Yue’s words.

“I was imprisoned twice, and it was my own fault both times. Now I just need to be careful. You racked your brains trying every possible solution those two times; if I cause you to be sent to some dangerous place again because of me, not only your mother-in-law but even Wan’er will blame me as her father. This can happen once or twice, but not a third time. Don’t worry, there definitely won’t be a third time.”
It was the 14th day of August, with the full moon shining brightly and countless stars casting a luminous glow across the sky, making everything exceptionally bright. Zhang Yue stepped out of Du Zhen’s study. As he neared his residence with Du Wan, he suddenly heard murmuring coming from the door in the courtyard next to them. Out of curiosity, he went over and saw someone standing with their back to him on the open space, gazing at the moon. Recognizing it as Xiao Wu, he didn’t disturb her and just stood there for a while.
“Tomorrow is the Mid-Autumn Festival. But why does this Mid-Autumn Festival see everyone scattered in different places… Moon, please protect Brother Wan safely… Um, and also protect my brother-in-law. After all, my sister will surely pray to you for that too…”
Hearing the word “also,” Zhang Yue couldn’t help but laugh silently. He decided not to disturb her any further and continued on his way. This trip was different from the Wan Shi Festival. Amidst thousands of soldiers, as long as nothing unexpected happened, it should be completely safe.