Chapter 817: A Small Favor, True Friendship

It wasn’t until they left Chongguo Temple and Zhu Zhanji led his men back to the palace that Zhang Yue finally breathed a sigh of relief. He feared nothing in the world except an indelible grievance in the emperor’s heart. Now that Zhu Zhanji had spoken clearly, the Meng family would no longer face any obstacles, and even Marquis Baoding wouldn’t be implicated. Thinking of his elder sister Zhang Qing, who was now pregnant, and his younger sister Zhang Yi, who had married Sun Han and had a happy family with children of her own, he couldn’t help but smile slightly.

“Brother Zhang, Brother Zhang?”
Turning around, he saw Yang Ji peering into the dust raised by the horse hooves. Zhang Yue nodded at him. Since the emperor had ordered secrecy, he couldn’t reveal the truth to Yang Ji privately. After some thought, he said in a low voice, “Don’t mention what happened with Prince Zhu when you get back. After all, this is an imperial favor to Princess Chenliu. If all the officials knew about it, it would cause trouble.”

Yang Ji, watching the grand procession, felt a bit intimidated. He wondered if this might be the crown prince of Zhou. Hearing Zhang Yue’s words, he thought his guess might be correct. He quickly patted his chest and promised, “Don’t worry, Brother Zhang. I’ll never reveal it. Even this boy was carefully chosen by me—he knows what to say and what not to say.”

The two chatted a bit more. As Zhang Yue was about to leave, Yang Ji remembered his father’s scolding from the previous day and couldn’t hold back anymore. He stepped forward, took hold of Zhang Yue’s reins, and said with a troubled expression, “Brother Zhang, it’s a coincidence I ran into you today. I actually need your help. Some damned fool in my family blabbed to our father about my share of the family property along with Brother Wan’s. Dad called me in and gave me a stern lecture, ordering me to shut down those two small restaurants right away. How am I supposed to just idle around in the capital with no skills other than studying?”

Zhang Yue glanced at Yang Ji, seeing his face full of frustration and resentment. He felt some sympathy for him. Yang Shiqi had been an official for over thirty years, but Yang Ji had remained in their hometown, failing to achieve anything in his studies. Given Yang Ji’s nature, if he had nothing to do, he surely wouldn’t stay at home all day. He would likely gather friends and get into trouble. After pondering for a moment, Zhang Yue nodded and said, “Let’s do this—I’ll visit you soon and try to persuade them.”

Yang Ji had initially tried to make do with a last-ditch effort, not expecting Zhang Yue to actually agree. To his surprise, Zhang Yue did consent, and he was overjoyed. He hurriedly bowed on his horse and said, “Then thank you very much!”
“However, Lord Yang is an upright man. Such minor business dealings are one thing, but if they scale up, he will surely condemn them as competing with the people for profit. So, if Brother Yang has any surplus money, it’s better not to get involved in businesses or shops in the capital. Instead, he might as well gradually acquire some small farms outside the city for his children in the future.”
Doing business requires not only an understanding of social nuances and intelligence but also the establishment of a network of relationships and interactions with various people. Knowing that Yang Shiqi would tolerate Yang Ji’s minor ventures but not allow him to expand significantly, and since Yang Ji lacked such astuteness, Zhang Yue naturally had to give such advice. Seeing Yang Ji nod in agreement repeatedly and saying it was only for entertainment and to help support the family, Zhang Yue didn’t say much more. After agreeing on a time to visit later, he left in a hurry.
Although Zhang Yue returned to the Ministry of War fifteen minutes late, no officials paid much attention to his tardiness since the person who had sent for him initially showed a Jinyiwei badge. Minister Zhang Ben even called Zhang Yue over and discussed the two major matters pending in court for a while. The first was, of course, the military affairs in Luchuan, and the second was the emperor’s inspection of the border. These were long-debated issues in the court, so the minister and the two vice-ministers spent an entire hour discussing them before returning to their offices to handle their duties.
While the people of the capital praised the emperor’s lenient policies, the doors of the North Pacification Commission’s prison were rarely opened. Yu Qian, who had been imprisoned for over half a year, staggered out. When he looked up at the sun, he unconsciously squinted. That day, the emperor had visited the North Pacification Commission in person, but as a minor official, not many people paid attention to him. Yet that didn’t stop him from seeing and hearing everything. He mourned Dai Lun’s death and was angry at the emperor’s criticism of the censors. But the documents shown to the ministers also passed into his hands, and what was on them shocked him deeply. Even after being taken back to his cell, he was dazed for a while and exchanged words with Lin Changmao in prison.
At that time, Lin Changmao also sighed repeatedly: “Emperor Taizong established a rule that corruption involving more than a thousand strings of coins is a capital offense. Yet strict laws still can’t eradicate corruption. Moreover, scholars in the Tang and Song dynasties often had official lands and other seasonal allowances, while our dynasty’s salaries are meager. Even if they acquire more farmland, it’s mostly for their descendants. It’s illegal by law, but understandable out of sentiment… Alas, if this is exposed, their reputations will be completely ruined.”

Unforgivable by law, understandable out of sentiment—complete loss of face… This is simply a huge joke!
Though he harbored indescribable emotions, having spent these days in prison chatting with Lin Changmao, Yu Qian still admired the elder’s wisdom and character. As he prepared to leave, seeing Fang Ling give him a clean blue cotton robe, he couldn’t help asking, “Sir Fang, when will Mr. Lin be released?”
Since Wang Jie, the commander of the Jinyiwei, had been exiled to the military camps, the position remained vacant. Thus, not only the officers within the Jinyiwei system were eager for it, but many noble descendants also aspired to hold it. Yet at such a time, Fang Ling kept his distance, rarely leaving the Beizhenfu Si and ignoring requests altogether, instead focusing more on inspections in the imperial prison. On this day, when ordered to release prisoners, he personally accompanied them. Hearing Yu Qian’s question, he hesitated for a moment.
“He’s different from you. Though your petition used bold language, it was out of genuine concern. Besides, you’re an official in charge of criticism, and the emperor doesn’t want to punish you for speaking out. Moreover, someone has recommended you for an important role.”
Although Fang Ling’s words were somewhat vague, Yu Qian understood that Lin Changmao would likely remain in prison for some time, at least until the emperor’s anger subsided. However, having spent these days in prison, he was unaware of what was happening outside, so the mention of a recommendation was confusing. But since Fang Ling had revealed so much, he didn’t want to ask further and embarrass him. He bowed and strode out of the courtyard.
Since the establishment of the Beizhenfu Si during the Yongle era, most people were taken in through here and few released. Those who were released were usually high-ranking officials who would soon be given important positions, often with family and disciples waiting outside. Yet Yu Qian was undoubtedly an exception. When the heavy door behind him closed, he found himself alone in the narrow alley.
It wasn’t until he stepped out of the alley that a middle-aged man in blue clothes and a small hat hurried over, bowed, and asked, “Are you Yu Tingyi, the imperial censor?”
“It’s me. Who are you?”
“Imperial censor Yu, my lord is waiting for you ahead.”

By now, the sun was setting, and the streets were filled with people heading home. Yu Qian initially thought it was someone he knew from the same year or hometown who happened to be passing by. But upon hearing the word “grand councilor,” he was instantly shocked. Following the middle-aged attendant around the corner, he saw an unremarkable green-clothed, black-oiled carriage parked there. When the green curtain was lifted, he could clearly see the people inside.

“Teacher, Lord Du Xian!”

Yang Shiqi in the carriage nodded at Yu Qian, and Gu Zuo also signaled for him to get in. After Yu Qian boarded and lowered the curtain, Yang Shiqi took a closer look at the student he had personally recommended to Gu Zuo. Thinking of the hardships he had faced since entering officialdom, he couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. Gu Zuo’s expression was complex, with a hint of pity in his eyes.

“Although you’ve gone through many hardships, this experience has also tempered you. Upon reflection, it might not be a bad thing after all.”

“Teacher, Lord Du Xian, I hold no resentment.” It was true that he hadn’t felt resentment at first, but after spending half a year in prison studying and going through all these events, Yu Qian’s temperament had become much more steady than before. He nodded and then shook his head. “After this ordeal, I simply realize that I used to take some things for granted. But as an imperial censor, one must have integrity—something I am determined not to lose.”

Gu Zuo nodded approvingly. “To still have such a mindset after going through such trials—I really wasn’t wrong about you.”

Yang Shiqi also nodded with satisfaction and smiled, then explained everything that had happened these days. Seeing Yu Qian lowering his head as if trying to process these facts, he spoke again, “You’ve been restored to your position. Initially, it was planned for you to go to the Censorate, but now that the survey of landholdings across the country has begun, Zhang Yuanjie has recommended you to oversee the land survey in the Su and Song provinces.”

At these words, Yu Qian was greatly surprised. Although he and Zhang Yue had worked together in Guangzhou, they had little private interaction aside from official duties, yet he truly admired him. Though he had been released now, there were still strict orders from higher authorities. And Zhang Yue had even recommended him! In comparison, Yang Shiqi was his mentor, and Gu Zuo was his superior who appreciated him—if they were to recommend him, that would be the proper course of action. With that in mind, he couldn’t help but ask, “Did Lord Zhang only recommend me?”

“It’s just you. Because of this, many people were greatly surprised. Those who had previously spoken out boldly at the Censorate were demoted to local posts. Added to this, I was framed by corrupt officials. Things were already in turmoil, but when the Emperor approved your appointment, the growing unrest calmed down quite a bit. With Lord Yu Qi’s assistance as well, things finally stabilized.”

Gu Zuo had served as the governor of Ying Tianfu and Shun Tianfu, known for his integrity and fearlessness in the face of power. However, only after taking charge of the Censorate did he realize how difficult it truly was to put the principle of fearing no power into practice. The Emperor had clearly disdained the Censorate before, but then executed Yan Ai and reinstated Yu Qian. Through this act of execution and reinstatement, the Emperor showed his true magnanimity, which also put Gu Zuo’s anxious heart at ease.

“Investigating the farmlands in Su and Song provinces… Su and Song are among the most prosperous regions in the country. Since the Emperor trusts me, I will do my utmost without any favoritism, nor will I show bias because of who recommended me.”

Hearing Yu Qian say this after only a brief hesitation, Yang and Gu exchanged a look, both feeling that they had indeed chosen the best candidate this time. To have such firm integrity at such a young age—truly worthy of being Yu Qian. And to be able to recommend such a person at a critical moment at a similar age, Zhang Yue already showed the demeanor of a renowned minister. Though confident that his chosen disciple would not disappoint, given the importance of Su and Song, Yang Shi Qi still gave extra instructions. Since he did this, Gu Zuo was no exception.

The person frequently mentioned by the three also managed to return home on time that day. Learning that his father had left and his mother had gone to the Marquis of Wu An’s residence, Zhang Yue went straight to his own courtyard. Upon entering the main room and seeing Du Wan, he said with a wry smile, “What a coincidence today. The Emperor just pretended to be a direct descendant of the Prince of Zhou in front of Yang Ji, and yet I happened to run into you all there.”

“We were all shocked too. After you left, we went back in. Sister Ning gave Sister Min many instructions. She also asked me to ask you—did the Emperor say anything?”

“The Emperor finally reassured us, saying that, even if not for my sake, at least for the sake of the princess, he would no longer pursue the past offenses of the Meng family. In other words, this matter seems truly to be closed.”

“Thank goodness!”

Du Wan finally breathed a sigh of relief, recalling how she had bumped into the emperor at the door, giving the impression that he had arrived right behind her. Fortunately, after seeing the emperor off, Meng Min and Cui Mo remained calm, and no one else in the Meng family noticed anything, so the matter was easily covered up. Thinking of another matter related to this visit, she said to Zhang Yue, “There’s one more thing I need to tell you. Meng Fan’s wedding is set for November, and we’ll find a way to get him back then.”

Zhang Yue had heard of this for the first time and quickly asked detailed questions. After learning that it was the wife of the Baoding Marquis who arranged Meng Fan’s marriage to the eldest daughter of a commander under the Left Army Command, and that Du Wan had even been entrusted to meet her—finding her very gentle and kind—he nodded with a smile and said, “That’s good. I’ll prepare a fine gift to congratulate them… Wait…”

Suddenly remembering the emperor’s mention of inspecting the borders today, Zhang Yue paused mid-sentence before saying to Du Wan, “The emperor mentioned today that he intends to lead a large army to inspect the borders. Judging from the distance, it’s likely another trip to Danning. Weren’t they repairing the old city of Danning in the past couple of years? Meng Tao and Meng Fan have both been promoted for their merits. If they return now for the wedding, they might miss out on opportunities.”

“Inspecting the borders? So you’ll be going again?”

Seeing Zhang Yue remain silent, Du Wan’s expression darkened instantly. Zhang Yue had fought the Japanese pirates in the south, defended Xinghe Fortress, accompanied the emperor on northern expeditions, and later followed Emperor Yongle on a northern tour, even serving as an advisor on military affairs in Jiaozhi. There had hardly been a time when things were peaceful. Although she wasn’t yet regretting having encouraged her husband to seek a title, she always felt unbearably worried whenever Zhang Yue left.

At that moment, Zhang Yue couldn’t help but step forward and embrace his wife, then whispered, “Don’t worry. This time is different. It’s just border inspections, not battles. The focus is on strengthening border defenses. Not every inspection leads to trouble. After all, the emperor is still in his prime, and the conflicts in the north are just minor skirmishes. Besides, it’s not certain whether I’ll really have to go.”