Chapter 644: Severity in Calmness

Since his late father, Zhu Neng, had a residence in Beijing, Zhu Yong declined the imperial palace assigned to him when he was transferred from Nanjing before the New Year and moved there directly. Out of appreciation for Zhu Neng’s past contributions, Zhu Di granted Zhu Yong large tracts of land on both sides of his house, so much so that the Duke of Cheng’s mansion occupied half of the alley. The name of the alley was even changed to Dongping, in honor of Zhu Neng’s posthumous title as King of Dongping.

Although he had once been ordered to stay in Nanjing and served as head of the military command there, Zhu Yong, the Duke of Cheng, lacked the martial spirit of his father. He had a strong build with a reddish complexion and thick beard, but he was fond of reading, with his study filled with various books, both officially published and privately printed. Now, as the year of the imperial examinations in Shuntian Prefecture approached, several distant relatives were staying at his home, preparing to wait there for next year’s exams. In his early thirties, he was not used to the busy schedule of alternating between the military command and the capital camp. He would return to his mansion every noon to rest. Although others criticized the indolence of this son of a distinguished hero, no one dared say anything to him face to face.

That day, as usual, he went home to rest. After getting up, a maid was helping him wash his face when someone reported that Zhang Jiu wanted to see him. The Zhang and Zhu families had long-standing ties, and he had left almost all of his affairs in Nanjing to Zhang Juo’s care. So without hesitation, he ordered Zhang Jiu to come in. When Zhang Jiu entered, Zhu Yong examined him from head to toe before nodding slightly and smiling.

“I heard you passed the provincial examinations, so I ordered gifts to congratulate you. But the last time you came to thank me, I happened to be away. Frankly, aside from your knowledge, you’re not as considerate as your third brother. If you can’t meet me this time, just come again next time—do you really need me to send an invitation? My relationship with your father used to be good, but aside from holidays, you hardly ever show up. Your wives also often come by, but I never see your wife!”

Zhang Jiu had come with many concerns, and he was already nervous. Hearing Zhu Yong’s words, he felt extremely embarrassed. He didn’t know whether to apologize or explain himself. As the eldest grandson of the Zhang family, he was less prominent compared to the second and third branches of the family, whose members held high positions. His father had just been released from prison and was in mourning at home, so he himself wasn’t very important either. Thus, he didn’t dare to frequent relatives and friends. Even during holidays, when he went to their homes with his brothers, he would only stay briefly before leaving.

“Uncle…”

“Alright, alright, I was just joking with you, my junior. Remember to come often from now on!” Seeing Zhang Jiu’s face red all the way to his ears, Zhu Yong couldn’t help but laugh. “Sit down. Since you came alone today, you must have something to tell me. Speak plainly—no need for circumlocutions.”

Since Zhu Yong had said so, Zhang Jiu didn’t hesitate and directly talked about the great military victory. Zhu Yong had already heard about it from his servants. As it was a major victory, he had been pleased for a while and hadn’t taken it too seriously. But now, hearing Zhang Jiu mention some key points, he frowned. Not noticing the maid serving tea beside him, he suddenly stood up. Her sudden movement caught her off guard, and the white porcelain teacup on her lacquered tray shattered instantly.

“Ah… My lord, please forgive me! I deserve death!”

The maid trembled in fear and quickly knelt down. At a time when Zhu Yong was already annoyed, this loud crash startled him further. Seeing tea leaves and broken porcelain pieces on the ground, he angrily scolded her as a foolish maid and ignored her repeated apologies. Instead, he said to Zhang Jiu, “Since this place is now dirty, Brother Jiu, come with me to the garden hall!”

Having lost his father at a young age and been appointed to his position, Zhu Yong may not have been very brave, but he was quite thoughtful. After talking with Zhang Jiu along the way, he gradually realized the implications behind this great victory, and a sense of dread began to overtake him. Just as they were about to arrive, a young man in green rushed over urgently, knelt on one knee, and reported, “My lord, a letter has just arrived. Manager Rui, seeing that it bore the private seal of the late lord, feared it might be an urgent matter, so he sent me to deliver it.”

Zhu Yong took the letter without paying attention to Zhang Jiu beside him. He casually opened it and, upon reading it, froze instantly, then showed a puzzled expression. After standing there in deep thought for a long time, he finally raised his head, waved his hand to send the young man away, and then sighed deeply.

“Uncle…”

“Never mind. Since you’re not an outsider, take a look at this.”

Having noticed Zhu Yong’s unusual expression earlier, Zhang Jiu had already had some suspicions. Now, after reading the letter, he was almost shocked. Fortunately, he had already heard many things today that he had never dared imagine before, so he quickly regained his composure. The letter contained just a few words, but its content was astonishing—it stated that the emperor was alone outside, while the crown prince wanted to mobilize the troops in the capital at that moment. Zhu Yong was asked to make a wise decision!

He slowly entered the flower hall. By this time, Zhu Yong no longer had any trace of his earlier casual attitude. The emperor had launched three military campaigns, each time with an army of 300,000 to 500,000 troops—essentially mobilizing the entire nation’s strength. This was not only because they needed to outnumber the Mongol forces on the vast steppes to ensure victory but also for other reasons.

With such a large army deployed, there was no fear of internal unrest! This time, the emperor only brought a few tens of thousands of troops on his northern tour, likely because the route was not far from Beijing, making it easy to receive reinforcements. Yet even so, if the troops in the capital were moved at will, it could lead to another major crisis once the emperor returned safely.

“The emperor has assigned me to command the capital troops—it seems I’m in hot water now!” Zhu Yong smiled bitterly as he sat heavily down in the central armchair, gripping the armrest tightly in frustration. “That man’s letter is truly despicable. This isn’t just simple sowing of discord—it’s outright harm! If it were really the crown prince sending for me…”

Zhang Jiu noticed someone running swiftly along the path outside and immediately stopped talking. Sure enough, it wasn’t some servant but a middle-aged man dressed in fine silk. He knelt outside and said with his head bowed, “Master, Eunuch Fan from the palace has arrived. He says the crown prince orders you to go to the Wenhua Hall for an audience. I tried to offer him tea, but he refused and left in a hurry, so I had to come and inform you personally!”

“Eunuch Fan? Is it Fan Hong, the crown prince’s man?”

After getting a confirmatory answer, Zhu Yong couldn’t help but gasp. He thought of the letter he had received earlier. Glancing at Zhang Jiu, who was equally shocked, he sent the messenger, Zhu Rui, away. His mind was in turmoil. For a moment, he even regretted accepting the positions of military commander and capital troops commander. If it weren’t for this title, even as a duke, he wouldn’t have to bear such responsibilities.

“Uncle, the crown prince has been the heir for years, and his kindness and filial piety are well-known throughout the land. Now that he’s summoned me…”

Zhu Yong, who had been hesitating, suddenly understood after hearing just half of what Zhang Jiu said. He immediately interrupted him, “Since it’s the crown prince who’s summoned me, I must go right away. I can’t keep you here today. You’ve taken the trouble to come all this way, showing your sincerity. Go back in peace. Though I may not be as capable as your uncle, I’m still a man of responsibility. Such underhanded tactics won’t sway me. This letter comes at just the right time—I’ll need it to deal with Fan Hong!”

Zhu Yong’s words undoubtedly showed his attitude, and Zhang Jiu couldn’t help but sigh in relief. Since Zhu Yong was about to change into his official robes and enter the palace, he took his leave. When he left the Duke of Cheng’s residence, he casually wiped his forehead and found it covered in sweat. It was the first time in his life he had done such a thing. Though he still didn’t know whether it had succeeded or not, as he mounted his horse with his tired legs, he felt a genuine sense of relief.

In the back room of the Duke of Ying’s residence, the sound of dominoes filled the air. Originally, Li Yun, Zhao Fen, and Zheng Fangfei, the three daughter-in-laws, were accompanying Lady Wang, but she had left due to some matters and instructed Zhang Ke to take over temporarily, with Xi Yu helping her keep an eye on the dominoes as they continued playing. With that, Zhao Fen, who had been racking her brains earlier to avoid winning or losing, no longer held back and won several rounds in a row, amassing a pile of small silver coins as stakes.

Seeing that Zhang Ke had none left, she smiled triumphantly, “Oh, ever since Auntie left, my luck has turned so good—I get whatever card I want. Sister Ke seems to be having bad luck. How about swapping places with Auntie Zhong? It can’t be right to keep losing like this!”

Although Xi Yu stood behind Zhang Ke watching the game, her heart was on Lady Wang who had left, so she didn’t pay much attention to the game. Hearing Zhao Fen’s arrogant words, she quickly snapped out of her daze. Seeing Zhang Ke sitting there, biting her lip in distraction, she said with a smile, “Today, the second madam is very lucky. No wonder Miss Ke can’t keep up. Someone, bring more small coins!”

When Zhang Ke grabbed her wrist and called out “Auntie,” she gently said, “It’s not worth much. Miss Ke, just keep playing. It’s still early—lose some and win them back! Have you forgotten what Lady Wang said these days? Losing one game doesn’t mean losing your whole life!”

Zhang Ke was originally very smart. Living in the Duke of Ying’s residence these days, free from the intrigues among the concubines in her own household, she had lived comfortably. Hearing Xi Yu’s words, she realized it wasn’t worth getting upset over Zhao Fen’s remarks, so she stopped trying to get up and sat back down calmly. With Xi Yu’s guidance, she quickly turned things around and won three rounds in a row.

Madam Wang in the east wing naturally had no idea that her departure had sparked a minor upheaval inside. At this moment, after hearing Du Wan’s words, she felt extremely uneasy. Having experienced and witnessed much over the years, she wouldn’t worry about ordinary matters, but today’s events involved her husband. If anything happened to the emperor, Zhang Fu, who was guarding Danning, might also suffer consequences. Although the title of duke was prestigious and their family’s record of meritorious deeds was extensive, a single mistake could erase all their past achievements!

“Wan, since you’ve returned from your father, what did he say?”

“Father only thinks the emperor might be in trouble; otherwise, it’s hard to judge. He’s already been summoned to the Eastern Palace. Judging by the situation, it seems they share the same concern.” Du Wan and Madam Wang were close friends. Seeing her pale face, Du Wan quickly reached out to hold her hand and said, “I’ve read many geographical and military records with my husband. He said they were all suggestions from my uncle, urging him to learn more. My uncle has a reputation for wisdom; if he pays attention to such details, he surely won’t make mistakes in bigger matters.”

“I know he’s hardly ever made a mistake in his life, but his achievements are so great that I’m afraid others might force him or smear his name for their own gain!”

“Auntie!” Seeing Madam Wang growing panicked, Du Wan stood up and sat next to her by the table. “My husband always speaks highly of my uncle, saying he’s cautious and can defuse crises silently. During the southern campaign against Jiaozhi, my uncle took command in the army under pressure and achieved his greatest feat. What more now?”

Madam Wang was usually resolute, but these days she had been plagued by nightmares at night. Now, faced with such news, she lost her composure and almost rushed to the palace to see Princess Zhang. Hearing Du Wan’s words, she gradually calmed down. After sitting there for a while, stroking her chest, she forced herself to focus and gently patted Du Wan’s hand.

“You’re right. At this point, there’s no need to worry! My husband isn’t alone—your brother Yue is there too.”

“That’s true. Not only is my uncle in Danning, but my husband is also by the emperor’s side!”

At this moment, it would be a lie to say that Du Wan wasn’t worried, but if everyone panicked, it wouldn’t help matters at all. Seeing that Lady Wang was unharmed, she said softly, “Let’s first see what His Royal Highness the Crown Prince does. If there are any movements in the imperial troops or other orders issued, then Auntie might as well call upon Lady Ningyang, Lady Anyuan, Lady Yangwu, and the others. Their husbands are also accompanying the emperor abroad, so it’s most important to calm people’s hearts right now—after all, each family is a pillar of support.”
“I understand. Then, Wan, stay at the Duke’s residence with me for a few days. With someone at home, I’ll feel more at ease outside.”
Half an hour later, Lady Wang and Du Wan finally entered the main room. Just then, the nurse brought Zhang Tian and Zhang Jing over. The women playing bone tiles had already finished their game, and their expressions were very different from before. Zhang Ke, who had not only recovered her losses but also won a lot, was beaming with joy, while Zhao Fen, who had lost all her money again, looked gloomy. Li Yun, who had lost a few games, was whispering to Zheng Fangfei. Xi Yu came over gracefully, personally helping Lady Wang take off her outer clothes, and explained a few things. Preoccupied, Lady Wang glanced at Zhang Ke, and thinking about the outcome of the game, her mood improved a bit.
“Girl Fen, you need to be more careful from now on. Underestimating your opponent can lead to big losses!”
As it was getting late, Lady Wang ordered that the others be sent back, leaving only Du Wan. Sure enough, by sunset, the Duke’s residence finally received reliable news: the Crown Prince had ordered the imperial troops to select ten thousand elite soldiers and the various guards to select another ten thousand, to strengthen the defense of the capital. He also ordered Tianjin Guard, Hejian, Shunde, and other regions to enhance their defenses. Faced with these stern orders, she was stunned for a long time.