Chapter 671: Confidence
After the Spring Festival, the weather gradually warmed up, and the various government offices reopened to handle affairs. Things were much busier than at the end of the year. Added to this was the incident that had caused a stir throughout Jinling and even the whole country. Zhang Yue’s “leisurely” days should have come to an end by now. However, since Du Wan hadn’t returned to her hometown in Zhangyan, Shanghai, for many years and had previously promised to visit on her father Du Zhen’s behalf, she discussed it with Zhang Yue when the weather warmed up.
Zhang Yue had already promised the Qiu family before leaving the capital, so he also wanted to take a few days off. He asked the prefect Zhang Xu for leave. Such matters usually depended on Shangguan Yixin, but since Zhang Xu had no grudges against Zhang Yue and was already overwhelmed with work, he readily approved half a month’s leave.
The distance by land from Nanjing to Songjiang Prefecture was only a few hundred miles, and the Yangtze River remained navigable year-round, making both land and water routes convenient. Considering the still-unstable weather, the group chose the more comfortable water route, sailing slowly for six or seven days. By the time they arrived in Songjiang Prefecture, it was already the sixth day of the second month. Zhang Yue had spent several days here during his previous trip to the south of the Yangtze. Upon returning, he saw that Shanghai County had already been fortified into a strong city. Recalling the times when he fought against the pirates here, he felt deeply moved.
Since the imperial court began hunting pirates along the coast and sent strict orders to Japan, the pirates had disappeared over the years, allowing the people to live in peace and prosperity. The pirate troubles seemed like a nightmare from the past, and there was no trace of worry on the people’s faces anymore.
Zhangyan was an ancient town that had produced many talented people since the Tang and Song dynasties, gradually giving rise to numerous prominent families. The most influential families now included the Shen, Yang, He, Wu, and several others—mostly scholarly and official families, though there were also wealthy families like the Yangs. Among them, the Shen family was the most noble, with each other family having its own distinguished lineage. In comparison, the Du family only became well-known because of Du Zhen, and its influence in the countryside still lagged behind the others.
Du Zhen hadn’t sent anyone ahead to inform them, so Zhang Yue and Du Wan’s sudden return caused quite a stir among everyone. Several elders from the Du family personally accompanied the couple to pay respects at their ancestral graves and then generously hosted a banquet for them. Hearing that Zhang Yue planned to visit other families, they even sent clever nephews to accompany him throughout, as if afraid that others wouldn’t know about such a prominent son-in-law in the Du family. Faced with their unusual enthusiasm, Du Wan, who was well aware of the situation, naturally found it rather pointless.
Her father had only her as his biological daughter. Though he had taken Xiao Wu under his name, he still had no heir. Among the three forms of unfilial conduct, having no descendants is the worst. No matter how open-minded her father might be, clan traditions still existed, and sooner or later someone would surely raise objections. With her father’s current rank, he might rise to a second-rank position upon retirement, and the benefits his descendants could enjoy would be considerable. Who wouldn’t be envious?
That day, Zhang Yue went out with her entourage, and several uncles, aunts, and cousins from the clan invited her over to talk. Faced with various tests, she simply said bluntly, “My father also brought this up when I returned. The Du clan is so large—his line has no heirs, and there are other uncles and aunts in various branches. Besides, he isn’t from the main lineage, so it’s really unfair of you all to worry so much. He also said that although adopting a son could carry on his family name, someone would still have to endure the pain of being separated from their own flesh and blood.”
“Your words are wrong, niece. Since we’re all related, each family must contribute something. Besides, even if it’s recorded under your father’s name in the future, he still has to acknowledge us as elders—aren’t we still one family?”
After a middle-aged woman said this, the other wives rushed to chime in, fearing they’d fall behind. One said, “After all, you’re now married. Though we heard your parents adopted another daughter, she’s still an outsider. Besides, if they just adopt any child from outside, wouldn’t that mix up the Du clan’s bloodline? Your parents should have someone to serve and bring them joy. Even if your father doesn’t think about himself, he should consider your mother more.”
As they talked, they couldn’t help but praise the merits of their own children while trying to belittle those of others, eventually leading to a quarrel. Du Wan remained silent until, seeing their sarcastic and vicious remarks, she gently coughed once.
“Ladies, please let me finish speaking. After my parents discussed it, my father asked me to meet with all of you elders after the memorial ceremony. Our Du family is not as renowned as those ancient families with centuries-long histories; having just one person from our family doesn’t mean much. It’s the individual’s hard work and diligence that truly counts. Those young men sent by the patriarch to the Zhang family’s academy in the capital have finally shown some progress, but those left here must not slack off either. That’s why my father asked me to bring a test question to assess the family’s young people, so I can take it back to him for review. He made it clear that mere filial piety at home is superficial; true filial piety lies in serving the world and its people. Once a successor is chosen, there’s no need to go to the capital—just study hard, and when it’s time for him to take over, he will naturally do so.”
This completely exposed the topic that had been kept hidden from everyone. Even these women, each with their own plans, felt somewhat embarrassed, but after resenting Du Zhen’s coldness, they also felt a hint of satisfaction. It meant that the chosen adopted child wouldn’t have to be separated from their parents; they only needed to act as filial sons in mourning when Du Zhen passed away, and they would receive the imperial decree allowing them to enter officialdom. Thus, after exchanging glances, everyone began to consider another issue.
Du Zhen had always been peculiar—what kind of question would he pose this time?
Although Zhang Yue had been to the Yang family’s mansion in the southwest of Shanghai County before, it was his first time on the Yang family’s ship. Last time, Fang Qing had taken him to see Yang Shan, the Yang family’s sickly captain. More than three years later, it was Yang Jinde, the eldest son, who was now in charge. As soon as he met this honest and loyal middle-aged man bowing repeatedly, he personally helped him up and then glanced at Fang Qing beside him. It must be said that Fang Qing was quick—he had sent a message to Shandong when leaving the capital, and this man arrived just in time.
Because the Yang family had invested heavily in building the city in Shanghai, Yang Jincái’s affairs were quietly suppressed. After the death of the original head, Yang Shan, the transition of power within the family proceeded smoothly. Although Yang Jinde wasn’t a man of great ambition, he was cautious, and the number of ships sailing overseas each year remained the same as during the smuggling days. Compared to Ningbo Prefecture, where many merchants gathered now, his conservative approach naturally drew ridicule from many.
After some small talk, since Zhang Yue directly asked why he wasn’t building new ships or sending more vessels out to sea, Yang Jinde’s face turned somewhat embarrassed. “My lord, matters at sea are unpredictable. Even with the most accurate maps, the most skilled shipbuilders, and the sturdiest ships, if unexpected dangers like storms arise, it’s very likely that the entire fleet will be lost. I lack great ability, so I prefer to be cautious to avoid losing my family’s fortune in one disaster. Besides, the Yang family has a tarnished reputation in the past. If we act too openly, those with envy might bring up old matters, and we could suffer severe consequences even if we don’t die.”
Fang Qing had always thought his eldest uncle was too honest and not suited for business, but hearing this, he secretly approved of him. Although locals were unaware of the Yang family’s past dealings, many in the industry were aware of them. Even if the court had said it wouldn’t pursue them before, it was uncertain what would happen in the future, so it was better to be cautious. Thus, he smiled at Zhang Yue and said, “My lord, that’s just my uncle’s nature. Please don’t laugh at him.”
“It’s wise to be cautious—after all, a careful ship will last forever.” Although Zhang Yue was in Nanjing, he had been keeping an eye on news from the capital. He asked this question first just to see if the Yang family had enough wisdom, and now he was relieved. After calculating the timing, he knew the court should have made a decision by now. He calmly said, “An order has already been issued to cancel the ships sent to seek treasures in the West. I’ve also heard that the emperor has decided to stop all maritime activities in Ningbo Prefecture. In other words, the court is imposing another sea ban.”
Because Zhang Yue spoke so casually, Yang Jinde and Fang Qing were initially stunned upon hearing this. By the time they fully realized what it meant, both of them paled. Fang Qing was somewhat better off—he was mainly focused on establishing maritime trade offices and ports in Denglai provinces to trade with Japan and Korea, and he didn’t place much importance on Ningbo Prefecture. But this was a sea ban—once it took effect, no one would be allowed to set sail along the coast!
After a while, Yang Jinde finally asked, “What about the ships that have already set sail?”
“The ships that left first are not covered by the ban, but once the order arrives, Ningbo Prefecture will seal its ports again.”
Yang Jinde wasn’t good at adapting to sudden changes. He was stunned by Zhang Yue’s news and his mind was too overwhelmed to think clearly. He could only look to Fang Qing for help. Fang Qing, though also uneasy, had experienced many hardships and quickly regained his composure.
“My lord, you spared no effort to push this through back then. Will you now just stand by and let such a beneficial policy fail?”
Having anticipated this outcome before leaving the capital, Zhang Yue was not surprised. It was not Minister of Revenue Xia Yuanji who was most persistent on the sea ban, but rather Minister of Rites Lü Zhen and Minister of Works Wu Zhong, who had been restored to his position and now oversaw that ministry. Additionally, there was Liu Guan, the Censor-in-Chief who had always opposed him. It should be noted that all of Xia Yuanji’s previous suggestions had been accepted, except for the sea ban—just as it was this time, showing that this old minister was still open-minded.
“I have already submitted petitions to advise against it, but I’m afraid it’s hard to turn things around.” Seeing that Yang Jinde and Fang Qing still wanted to say something, Zhang Yue waved his hand and said to Yang Jinde, “There’s time enough in the future. Worrying about this now won’t help. Since you’re so anxious, go and make arrangements. Remember, don’t let anything slip.”
After Yang Jinde hurriedly left and closed the door, Fang Qing quickly stood up and stepped beside Zhang Yue. “My lord sent word for me to wait in Songjiang. Surely it’s not just because of such bad news?”
“I called you here, of course, not just for this bad news, but for even more bad news.” Seeing Fang Qing’s face tense up instantly, he realized the impact of his opening remark was significant. He then raised three fingers. “The first one I’ve already mentioned; the second is the salt distribution system. Even now, some powerful figures in the court have objections, and it’s uncertain whether they can hold their ground; the third is the plan I discussed with you before…”
The sea ban had little impact on the Fang family, but the salt distribution system was the main source of income for the Shanxi merchants. Thus, at the thought of possible losses for his family in Shanxi, Fang Qing’s expression changed drastically. However, it was Zhang Yue’s vague third point that concerned him the most. He suddenly felt his mouth dry, his face turned pale, and he was so distraught that he couldn’t focus on the rest of what was said.
These were all policies that Zhang Yue had proposed to Zhu Di over the years. Were they all about to be overturned now? If so, did that mean that as long as the current emperor reigned, Zhang Yue would never be able to serve? If that was the case, wouldn’t it have been better for him to support Prince Zhu Gaoxu back then? Once the Zhang family turned against him, many nobles would follow suit…
After finally driving those dangerous thoughts away, he swallowed hard. Seeing Zhang Yue’s calm expression, he felt a surge of uncertainty and could only probe cautiously, “The lord once told me to take advantage of sending trade caravans to the Tatar tribes to have spies gather information, which would then be sent via homing pigeons. Doesn’t that method work anymore?”
“You’re right; it indeed doesn’t work now.”
Emphasizing those two words, and seeing Fang Qing suddenly understand, Zhang Yue knew he had grasped the situation. He immediately stood up, brushing off his sleeves. Having dealt with each other many times before, he didn’t beat around the bush: “So, you should still follow the plan I outlined earlier. Don’t give up just because of rumors in the court. The same goes for the sea ban—times change, and imperial decrees are always evolving.”
Zhang Yue had no choice but to do this. Business is business. Although Fang Qing had invested heavily in him and he had given him many benefits, under these circumstances, he had to remind him of his place. After a pause, he added, “Besides, I called you from Shandong for another important matter. Keep an eye out for suitable places in Tianjin Wei to moor sea ships.”
Knowing Fang Qing was smart and likely had already guessed, he saw only a slight stiffening in the other man’s expression, confirming his understanding. Just months after the new emperor ascended the throne, his foundation was already solid. Zhu Gaochi gave most people the impression of a benevolent ruler, a stark contrast to his predecessor Zhu Di, who was often fierce and reckless in warfare. Only those who knew the ins and outs understood that aside from accepting sensible advice from his key ministers, Zhu Gaochi had his own stubborn views on many matters, including stubbornly eliminating the influence of Zhu Di’s years of dominance—whether that influence was good or bad.
That’s why, even though he could have allowed Tang Sair to use a slight trick to take Zhu Gaoxu’s life, he couldn’t do so. Though Prince Han Zhu Gaoxu was no longer a lethal threat, he still served a purpose. As long as this thorn remained, Zhu Gaochi wouldn’t take his eyes off Shandong, and both he and others would live much more comfortably.
He had originally agreed with Tang Sair that after using that trick to rescue Feng Yuanming, Tang Sair must not take the life of King Han Zhu Gaoxu. Now that the time had come, he hoped the leader of the White Lotus Sect would withdraw. If Zhu Gaochi was truly destined to die early, then Zhu Zhanji would undoubtedly be out of reach in Nanjing. Although there was only one land route, the sea route to Tianjin Wei was also a good way northward.
After staying at the Yang family all morning and discussing several matters, Zhang Yue finally left. Thanks to prior arrangements, the Du family thought he had simply gone out to sea by fishing boat for some relaxation, unaware that he had used this pretext to meet the Yang family. Even the Jinyiwei or other spies could not monitor activities at sea. After all, even if it wasn’t as dominant as before, the seas within Songjiang Prefecture still belonged to the Yang family, and no one else could catch up.
Stepping onto the dock safely, Zhang Yue couldn’t help but think about what Du Wan was arranging at that moment. He already knew about Du Zhen’s plans and felt admiration in his heart. The practice of adoption was rather inhumane—legitimate parents turned into uncles and aunts, and biological children became someone else’s offspring, while those who exploited this to seize property were even more despicable. Now that Du Zhen had spoken so openly, it was undoubtedly because of his strong confidence.
Were he and Wan Shijie combined not even equal to one son?