Chapter 826: Family Matters Concern the Future

Zhang Xin and Lady Feng went to Sichuan to take up their posts, leaving only the young couple Zhang Jiu and Zheng Fangfei, along with the young Zhang Zi, in the house, making it somewhat quiet. One day, Zhang Jiu was at the entrance of Wuanhou Hutong when Meng Jun and Zhang Qing arrived. They had originally planned to go to Zhang Jiu’s house for drinks, but it would be boring with just a few people. After returning home and learning that Zheng Fangfei had gone to see Du Wan, the three of them decided to come over and eat together. Coincidentally, Zhang Yue returned early and overheard them.

It wasn’t time to eat yet. Meng Jun stroked his chin and sighed, “You don’t know—this time your eldest sister is pregnant, and it’s not like before. She has a poor appetite and vomits a lot. Even with three or four people helping out at home, they’re still overwhelmed. It’s unclear whether the baby will be a boy or a girl, yet it’s already causing her so much suffering. If it weren’t for your aunt giving her a folk remedy, the mother might have collapsed before the baby was even born.”

Zhang Jiu noticed that Meng Jun had indeed lost a lot of weight and smiled. “Brother-in-law, you’re still complaining about this? Who said it’s boring these past two years with all the older kids and no younger ones around? Your eldest sister says she can’t take it, but a few days ago, Fangfei went to see her and said she looked very happy and cheerful. Now that she already has a son and a daughter, having another one will be even more joyful.”

“Joyful, of course! Fourth brother, you need to work harder too. Your eldest sister even pulled your wife aside and talked for a long time about whether I should find you two some excellent books.” Seeing Zhang Jiu suddenly speechless and his face turning red, Meng Jun glanced at Zhang Yue again. “These came from the palace—they’re not like those worthless things…”

“Enough, enough! Brother-in-law, just find those books for your eldest sister to read. Don’t try to help us!”

Although life in those days seemed less open than in later eras, there were still many interesting things. Although noble families claimed to have strict rules, they mainly guarded against unmarried children; those who were already married, from old to young and from men to women, all had some of these things, and Zhang Yue was no exception. He knew Zhang Jiu must also have them. But since his fourth brother was easily flustered, he changed the subject. Just as he was about to ask someone to call Meng Ang, Zhang Zi, and the other children over, a servant’s voice was heard outside, greeting them. Soon after, Jing Guan followed Tian Ci inside.

“Third brother Yue, fourth brother Jiu, brother-in-law Meng.”

“Father, fourth uncle, eldest uncle.”

On this side, the uncle and nephew bowed, while on the other side, Zhang Yue and the two others also hurriedly stood up. Seeing Meng Jun smilingly waving and calling Tian Ci over, Zhang Yue pulled Jing Guan aside and asked, “Was it you who came up with the idea to drag your Uncle Zhong out?”
The uncle, his son-in-law, and the third man had drunk some wine in the room earlier, so Zhang Yue was slightly tipsy, and his father’s sternness had lessened a bit. Jing Guan was taken aback but quickly explained, “I said I wanted to visit the clan school, so my great-uncle let me take Uncle Zhong along, saying it wouldn’t hurt for him to go out and walk around. We just came back from the clan school. If Dad doesn’t believe me, he can ask Uncle Lian!”
Seeing Jing Guan talking while sneaking glances at Tian Ci, Zhang Yue also remembered how Tian Ci had hit all three targets in his archery test last time, earning high praise from Zhu Zhanji. Although he didn’t seem extremely strong and still showed signs of his weak talent from childhood, he had changed a lot by now. So, he led Jing Guan forward and shooed away Meng Jun, who kept teasing Tian Ci.
“Since you’re here, I’ll send someone to inform Britain Park that we’ve had our meal here and will send you back later. It’s rare to have everyone here today. Let Jing Guan take you to the back yard to meet your two sisters-in-law. Your sister Jing and the nephews are there too.”
To Jing Guan, the three of them were elders, but to Tian Ci, they were just his peers, so he didn’t hesitate in speaking. Tian Ci feared his strict father, Zhang Fu, the most at home. Since he often saw Zhang Yue going to the study or other places to talk with Zhang Fu after coming over, he also felt a bit afraid of him. Hearing this, he immediately became happy, agreed, and pulled Jing Guan along to run off. As the two younger ones left, Zhang Jiu couldn’t help but sigh.
“In the blink of an eye, they’ve grown so big. They seemed so tiny before!”
“That’s right. Look at my son Ang—he already looks like a grown man and is about to get married!” Meng Jun said, smiling at Zhang Yue. “I say, third brother, your third sister is also getting older. How about we check their birth dates to see if they’re compatible?”
Zhang Yue, who had been in a good mood and drunk a few extra cups of wine, was just pouring himself a cup of tea when he heard this. He choked on the tea, put down the cup, and coughed several times before looking at Meng Jun with a strange expression. “Your son Ang and my sister Jing? Wouldn’t that mess up the generational order?”

“Who said it suits them? Even with all my courage, I wouldn’t dare match them! Now that the biggest taboo in our Meng family is gone, more people are coming and going. Some have proposed to Brother Ang, and others have inquired about your daughter Jing—quite a few have checked their compatibility. Your eldest sister says it might not all be sincere; perhaps they’re taking advantage of your current success, which is why they haven’t mentioned it to you. Today, when I went to my fourth brother’s house, I happened to see Xiao Fang coming out. So I suddenly thought that since you raised him and he seems to have good character…”

At this moment, Zhang Jiu also understood and was stunned. Back then, he and Gu Binfangjing were preparing for exams together, but Fangjing failed the imperial examination. Zhang Yue had taken him to Guangzhou for experience, and after returning, he had seen Fangjing a few times. He had become much sharper than before, telling things he had never heard or seen before. His good character and integrity were undeniable, but aside from his family background, Fangjing was already quite old—almost twenty!

Zhang Yue had originally planned for Fangjing to return to the capital to take the imperial examination this year, but at the end of last year, he and his father Zhang Zhuo went to Jiaozhi, leaving Fangjing in Guangdong who refused to leave and thus missed the exam. Du Wan had also mentioned that Fangjing was old enough, but whenever Zhang Yue brought it up, Fangjing would laugh innocently, saying that since his elder brother wasn’t married yet, he couldn’t overstep, so he kept delaying. Now that Meng Jun had mentioned it, Zhang Yue couldn’t help but think carefully. He didn’t care about family background, but it would depend on his parents’ opinions. Besides, with such a big age difference, it was still uncertain whether it would work.

“I need to think about this. I’ll have to discuss it with my parents later… Has Brother-in-law chosen anyone for Brother Ang?”

“If Brother Ang is to get married, he’ll be the eldest son-in-law of the Meng family, so it’s likely that our parents will decide. Neither my sister nor I can interfere. However, although there are many noble families in the capital, it’s not easy to find the right one. I was thinking of asking you to keep an eye out. It doesn’t have to be a noble family. It’s better to have someone educated and sensible than to focus only on family background. You know, most civil officials don’t marry into noble families. And for my father, your words are more effective than mine.”

This wasn’t really asking for help—it was clearly relying on him!

Rolling his eyes at Meng Jun, Zhang Yue immediately agreed. Zhang Jiu also stood up and said, “It’s lively in here today. Let’s not just talk to ourselves. Why not go in and see what’s going on? Dinner is ready in Third Sister-in-law’s room. It’s a pity Brother Eldest isn’t here, and now Brother Second isn’t either. If he were here, it would be even more lively.”

Zhang Qi was also among those accompanying them; since he wasn’t at home, Zhang Jiu’s words were merely empty talk. The two wives from the second household, Li Yun and Zhao Fen, were both there—one was gentle and obedient to her mother-in-law, while the other was known among her sisters-in-law as someone who had fallen on hard times, so no one dared to provoke her. Thus, no one suggested going next door to call for help. The three men entered through the second gate, and someone immediately went inside to give notice. By the time they reached Sun Shi’s courtyard, the curtain at the main entrance had already been lifted.

“Oh, so the big decision has finally been made. Finally, you have time to spend some time with us!”

Sun Shi joked as soon as she saw them enter. When she saw Zhang Yue and the others come forward to greet her, she set aside Zhang Yue and stared at Meng Jun and Zhang Jiu, then said, “Brother Jun looks much more energetic than when he returned from Xuanfu, and he’s also gained some weight. Brother Jiu, on the other hand, seems thinner—it seems the Hanlin Academy isn’t exactly a place for leisure. Just now, your wives said they hardly see you at home all day. Truly, you two are people who handle important matters.”

“Auntie, stop teasing us. If my brother-in-law and I are considered to handle important matters, what about my third brother?”

Zhang Jiu laughed as he sat down beside Sun Shi. Seeing his wife Fangfei glance at him, he then leaned against Du Wan and whispered something to her, his posture unusually lazy—something rarely seen at home—which surprised him. Zhang Qing, who was already pregnant, sat next to Sun Shi. Hearing Zhang Jiu’s words, she glanced sideways at Zhang Yue, who looked innocent, and said with a smile, “It’s good to know it’s just teasing. Men have their own important matters. They can’t stay at home all day being spoiled; if they see people every day, it would be a disaster!”

As she spoke, she looked at Zhang Jing and winked, saying, “Third sister, remember my words. In the future, you must properly discipline the man in your family. He should be motivated to improve and show care for you, and he must not get involved with other women!”

In the room, aside from the young and naive San San, there was only Zhang Jing, the unmarried girl. Yet, just as Zheng Fangfei also looked at her curiously, expecting her to blush and storm off, Zhang Jing tilted her head and blinked, asking, “Sister, are you saying how you’ve disciplined your brother-in-law all these years?”

As soon as these words were spoken, the room fell dead silent. After a moment of shock, Zhang Yue couldn’t help but burst into laughter. His laughter prompted the others to laugh too—Zhang Jiu held back somewhat, while Zheng Fangfei hugged Du Wan and laughed so hard she couldn’t straighten up. Mrs. Sun’s hand trembled, and she almost dropped the lid of the official kiln teacup onto the floor. Zhang Qing didn’t expect her teasing to backfire on her; her face turned slightly red, and she glared fiercely at Meng Jun.

Meng Jun shrugged innocently and said, “Why glare at me? Look, even your third sister knows about my reputation!”

“What reputation? You act like you’re such an honest person!” Zhang Qing snapped irritably. Seeing that Zhang Jing had already laughed and hidden behind Du Wan, she said angrily, “She’s young but cunning. I had good intentions but got nothing in return. I just hope my brother-in-law will be strong enough to make you behave properly too!”

Listening to their bickering, Tian Ci still didn’t understand. Seeing Jing Guan smiling, he couldn’t help but pull at his sleeve and whisper, “Weren’t you going to ask your father? Why not go now?”

Jing Guan had intended to privately gauge his father’s reaction but didn’t expect Tian Ci to be so anxious. Just as he was about to decline, he saw his father waving at him. He could only give Tian Ci a glance and quickly slip away through another side to follow his father into the west room. Behind the thick curtain, the laughter and chatter outside faded significantly. As soon as he entered, he stood properly, but his eyes kept watching his father’s expression. Seeing no signs of anger, he finally relaxed.

“Did you take Uncle Zhong to the clan school? What did he say to you?”

“Uncle Zhong didn’t say much. He just found everything interesting and saw novelty in everything,” Jing Guan said with a smile, recalling something. Seeing Zhang Yue pondering, he added carefully, “Father, although there’s Uncle Zhong, me, Fifth Uncle and Sixth Uncle who visit from time to time, and Eighth Uncle who often goes there at the British Park, the brothers from Eldest Uncle and Second Uncle’s families rarely go there. After all, we’re still too young. Moreover, in terms of archery and martial arts, only Sixth Uncle can spar with him. Uncle Zhong said that since our clan school is so good, maybe we can have more people study there too?”

Zhang Yue had thought about this before, even considering the idea of a kindergarten more than once. But later, due to his frequent business trips and the large number of nannies and servants when his children were young, his initial thoughts faded away. As for schools, he did want his children to interact more, but the court was currently focused on official schools. In the vast Shuntian Prefecture, there were very few private schools or academies—mostly just folk schools. The Zhang family’s own school was already quite large. If the sons of nobles all gathered together, who knew what rumors might arise. Yet, with a status like Tian Ci’s, some social interactions were indeed necessary.

As he pondered, he suddenly noticed Jing Guan staring at him intently, which made him laugh silently. Not to mention Tian Ci, even his own sons surely wanted to make more friends. Back when he and Zhang Chao and Zhang Qi were in Kaifeng, they studied at the family school. Although they didn’t have many true friends, wasn’t life’s complexity beginning then? Now the Zhang family was much more prominent, but why not let them hang out at school? Even if scheming people took advantage of it, it might not necessarily be bad for their future—just need to set up more safeguards.

Flowers in a greenhouse simply can’t thrive!

With that thought, he said nothing more, just nodded and said, “I’ll discuss this with your mother. Don’t tell your Uncle Zhong yet.”

After sending Jing Guan away, Zhang Yue thought for a while before leaving. Seeing the hustle outside, he quietly left the main house and happened to see an old woman coming in with news that Lian Hu had urgent matters to discuss. Upon reaching the second gate, he saw Lian Hu. Before he could ask anything, Lian Hu knelt down immediately, explaining anxiously. In the end, Zhang Yue, annoyed, helped him up.

“You need to apologize for such a trivial matter? You’re really getting more and more outrageous! Calm down—today’s incident isn’t relevant. Also, I’ve thought about what you mentioned a few days ago. You said the houses on either side of the family school in Menlou Hutong were too expensive for the government to rent out. Go talk to the Guan family and negotiate to buy them directly.”

Hearing this, Lian Hu was immediately surprised. So, his young master really planned to take in more students?