Chapter 101: Generous Rewards—Is Father Going to the Capital?

Unlike what Zhang Yue had imagined, the rewards mentioned by Zhang Fu were not in the name of Emperor Yongle, Zhu Di, but were delivered by eunuchs from the palace in the name of Concubine Zhang. Moreover, these benefits were not reserved for him alone—Zhang Chao and Zhang Jiu also received their share, and even Zhang Fu and Lady Wang were not overlooked, showing that the favors were distributed evenly.

Zhang Fu received a palace-made brocade robe, a sword, a set of armor, two fine horses, a hundred taels of gold, and four pieces each of brocade embroidered with patterns of “glory along the way” and “a house filled with gold and jade.” Lady Wang, Zhang Yue, Zhang Chao, and Zhang Jiu received similar items. Lady Wang, who was devoutly Buddhist, also got a small jade Buddha statue and a string of sandalwood beads. Zhang Chao received a strong bow and a sword, while Zhang Jiu got two new books and two blocks of precious ink. Only Zhang Yue received the most, in addition to the items mentioned above.

He got four new books, ten palace-made wolf-hair brushes, two top-quality light-smoke ink blocks, a hundred gold and silver coins minted by the emperor, four sets of palace-made clothes, a cloak embroidered with pheasants and cranes, and a large sable fur cloak. All these items filled his desk and bed. Even Qiu Hen and Hu Bo, who were used to fine things at the Zhang family’s residence in Xiangfu and the Duke of Yingguo’s manor, were amazed as they examined each item. Qiu Hen especially loved playing with the exquisitely crafted gold and silver coins, counting their value on her fingers.

Zhang Yue knew full well that all these rewards were meant to comfort him for the hardships he had endured before, which was why he received much more than Zhang Chao and Zhang Jiu. Yet now, sitting together with them, none of them cared about the difference in the rewards.

Along with the rewards came a message from Concubine Zhang, saying that Zhu Di had agreed to let Zhang Chao go to Jinxiang Guard. Although he was initially appointed as a hundredth-in-command, he was allowed to select ten men from the Shence Guard to accompany him—a further favor. Zhang Jiu also decided to set off for Kaifeng in three days, so the three brothers spent less time together by the day, and they wanted to make the most of their time before parting.

Although the rewards helped ease their shock, the memory of yesterday’s events kept them from feeling happy. After chatting for a while, Zhang Chao remembered he had a colleague’s banquet to attend and had to leave first. Zhang Jiu hesitated for a long time before finally telling them about his encounter with Zhang Fu the previous day and his words. He then added a final warning:

“From my second uncle’s tone, it seems he doesn’t like my elder brother or third brother. It’s fine for my elder brother to go fight elsewhere in the north, but you, third brother, must be extremely careful staying in Nanjing. After all, this is the emperor’s realm, with too many powerful people.”

Hearing this sincere reminder, Zhang Yue nodded and promised to be extremely careful, thanking Zhang Jiu in return. That day, Zhang Jiu happened to need to bid farewell to some of his father’s old acquaintances, so after saying that, he left as well. Zhang Yue saw him off to the door; once he turned around, his expression darkened. He thought to himself that he had kept to himself and avoided conflict with those two uncles and cousins, yet he kept getting into trouble. This time, it was even worse—people were resorting to sowing discord between them.

“Young master, that white fox fur coat you brought back last time has never been worn. It’s already spring now—is it still in the camphor box?”

It was Liusu who spoke up this time. She and Yueluo were originally third-class maids in the Duke of Britain’s household, but luckily were assigned to Fangheng Courtyard, where their monthly allowance doubled. Now, learning from Qiuhen Hubo, they spoke and acted more decisively, no longer harboring those messy thoughts from before, and had even changed their way of addressing people. Seeing that Zhang Yue was still lost in thought, she simply walked over holding the coat.

“Young master, those patterned silks you brought back from Dade Silk Shop last time were sent to Young Master Jiu to take to Kaifeng. But that’s not enough—those are too thin. How about we also pick out some of the gifts from the palace to give to the old lady and the other ladies? You haven’t worn this fox fur coat either; giving it back as a gift to the old lady would be perfect.”

Zhang Yue found her reasoning clear and sensible, so he agreed without hesitation. He asked her and Yueluo to help Qiuhen Hubo sort out the items to be taken back and deliver them to Zhang Jiu. Hearing the cheerful voices of the four maids inside, he suddenly felt annoyed. After a brief thought, he got up and left the room. As soon as he stepped outside, he saw Xi Yu, who had just entered the courtyard.

Xi Yu also saw Zhang Yue and quickly knelt down, saying, “Young Master Yue, the madam asks you to come over.”

Zhang Yue was slightly puzzled but nodded slightly and headed toward the main house. He remembered that Bi Luo and Xi Yu were the most favored maids by Lady Wang, but Bi Luo was as silent as a clam, while Xi Yu was sharp and capable. So, halfway there, he asked, “Has the eldest auntie said why she wants to see me?”

Indeed, unlike Bi Luo’s silence, Xi Yu smiled and revealed a little information: “I wouldn’t dare speak too much. It’s good news, young master. You’ll know once you see the madam.”

Upon reaching the front door of the main room, Zhang Yue happened to encounter Zhang Fu’s two concubines. He stepped aside and greeted them as “aunties.” Both women were in their twenties or thirties, dressed in peach-colored garments. Their eyes were red and swollen, as if they had cried. Seeing him bow, they hurriedly stepped aside to avoid him. Xi Yu glanced at them with a half-smile before hurrying away in a rush.

Zhang Yue had no interest in meddling in the affairs of his elders, and Xi Yu likewise had no desire to discuss her master’s personal matters. So, she pulled back the curtain while he bent down to step through the threshold.

The main room retained its usual solemn atmosphere. Lady Wang sat in the chair on the right. Upon seeing Zhang Yue enter, even the slightest trace of annoyance on her face disappeared. In the first chair below her sat a woman in her early thirties. Though adorned head to toe with jewels and dressed in fine silk, her face was covered in thick makeup, yet she still appeared pale and exhausted. In the second chair sat a young woman with beautiful features—none other than Zhang Qing.

Seeing his elder sister Zhang Qing there, Zhang Yue felt immense joy. He went forward to pay his respects to Lady Wang, who nodded smilingly and pointed to the woman in the first chair below. “That’s your second aunt. Last New Year’s Eve, she and your third aunt were both unwell, so they couldn’t come. This is your first time meeting her, so you should pay her proper respects.”

With Lady Wang’s words, Zhang Yue turned around and bowed four times. The woman couldn’t help but support him, repeatedly saying it wasn’t necessary. Finally, when Zhang Yue stood up, she quickly took his hand to examine it and suddenly burst into tears. “It’s fortunate for those sisters-in-law in Kaifeng that their sons are both handsome and capable. Poor me, with no one to rely on… My sister-in-law isn’t so fortunate either, but at least my brother always treats her with respect. Unlike me—my son, born of a concubine, doesn’t even regard me!”

As she spoke more and more absurdly, Lady Wang frowned. Out of consideration for her sister-in-law, she offered a few words of comfort before excusing herself to say the woman needed to retouch her makeup, asking Bi Luo to help her leave. Once she was gone, Lady Wang let out a long sigh and shook her head at Zhang Yue and Zhang Qing. “That’s your second aunt. No matter how many concubines a man has, he shouldn’t neglect his wife. If all wives were like her, they’d eventually die from anger or frustration.”

Zhang Qing’s face turned red as she nodded in agreement. Meanwhile, Zhang Yue was thinking about finding a chance to talk to Zhang Qing alone when he heard words that delighted him greatly.

“Yue Geer, your eldest brother and fourth brother are leaving in a few days. I was worried you might feel lonely alone. Fortunately, your brother-in-law’s uncle has returned, adding more younger members to the family, creating a lively atmosphere, so we plan to have you stay there for a few days. There’s also good news: your father intends to take the imperial examination organized by the Ministry of Rites and will be heading to Nanjing soon.”