Chapter 224: Clear Hearts (Part 1)

Having completed all necessary tasks and asked all relevant questions, Zhang Yue returned to Qingzhou City in the evening with a few attendants. As soon as he entered the government office, a clerk came forward, saying the prefect wanted to see him. Perplexed, he rushed to the main hall only to find Ling Hua sitting in the center, with Liu Zhong, the commander of the Shandong military forces, seated beside him. Usually cheerful, Liu Zhong forced a smile at that moment.

Ling Hua and Zhang Yue had worked together for months and were already quite familiar with each other. Seeing Zhang Yue enter, Ling Hua stood up to greet him. He first inquired about Zhang Yue’s day’s activities before whispering, “Actually, it’s not me who called for you—it’s Liu Commander who has something to discuss. I’ve been with him for quite some time, but he hasn’t said a word. Clearly, he came here specifically for you. I still have some matters to attend to, so I won’t disturb your conversation.”

Seeing the prefect leave in a hurry, Zhang Yue inwardly sighed at his cunning. Visits like this rarely brought good news, and if it could trouble a second-rank commander so much, it was obvious it was a difficult task. Sure enough, before Zhang Yue could speak, Liu Zhong let out a deep sigh, but his next action shocked him.

The high-ranking commander stood up and bowed deeply to him! Zhang Yue was stunned for a moment before rushing forward to help him up, but he couldn’t overpower Liu Zhong, who had spent most of his life on horseback, and ended up accepting the bow. Once Liu Zhong stood up, Zhang Yue quickly invited him to sit down and asked in confusion, “Why did Commander Liu suddenly perform such a grand bow? Won’t this harm me?”

“Zhang Yue, logically, I should go to the Meng family and apologize to their daughter, but I don’t want to cause them trouble. After all, the Jinyiwei are still in Qingzhou. If you see her, please apologize for me. I haven’t read many books in my life, but I’ve never done such a dishonorable thing! Brother Meng is in the Jinyiwei’s prison. I’m a significant figure in Shandong, but I can’t speak up in front of the emperor or offer any other help.”

As he spoke, Liu Zhong took out a piece of paper from his sleeve and solemnly handed it to Zhang Yue. “I’ve also heard about the Meng family’s move that day. The two sons brought quite a lot of money when they went to the capital, but the Meng siblings were still seriously ill, so they must have been short of funds. Here are five hundred taels of silver I’ve stored in a gold and silver shop in Qingzhou. It’s not much, and I usually have high expenses. Besides, I have a housewife and managers at home, so I don’t really have much personal savings. But at least I still have some medicinal herbs given to me during festivals. If you need anything, just come to me and ask.”

Seeing Liu Zhong look embarrassed, Zhang Yue remembered how this commander had always taken care of him, and it was especially rare that he showed such kindness now. He quickly stepped back and bowed deeply. “On behalf of the Meng family, I thank Uncle Liu for your kindness.”

“Ah, what is my kindness compared to yours?” Hearing Zhang Yue call him Uncle Liu again, Liu Zhong helped him up and patted his arm gently. “The Meng family has suffered such a great disaster, yet you, a mere civil official, are willing to step forward. I can’t compare to you. Back then, I didn’t understand why the Duke of Ying favored you, his own nephew. Now I get it. Be righteous when it’s time to be righteous—good! In short, if you ever need anything in the future, just come to me, Old Liu!”

Previously, Liu Zhong had helped Zhang Yue out out of respect for Zhang Fu. Zhang Yue hadn’t expected to truly earn this veteran general’s recognition because of this incident. Although he had felt somewhat resentful when the Meng family left the military headquarters, that resentment had gradually faded. Holding a position as a commander came with many concerns. After all, the slight camaraderie between Liu Zhong and Meng Xian was maintained mainly because of Zhang Fu.

Seeing Zhang Yue thank him with a smile, Liu Zhong felt very pleased. He then put on his role as an elder and warned him, “You did such a great favor for the Meng family that day. Some in the military headquarters praised your righteousness, but those who are not on good terms with Brother Meng spoke ill of you behind your back. Some even spread rumors that you accepted gifts from the King of Han during the festival. It’s possible the Imperial Guards already know about this. You’re young, and the emperor might not blame you for this, but you need to be more careful in the future. After all, hidden threats are hard to guard against…”

One who is upright need not fear a crooked shadow, but how many people these days dare to say such things? After seeing Liu Zhong off, Zhang Yue couldn’t help but smile bitterly. On the first day of the new year, he would have accepted the gifts from the wealthy families if they were ordinary—things like silver figurines and gold leaf—he managed to return all of them. Only the gift from the King of Han couldn’t be disposed of and was still safely locked in the warehouse. However, the Jinyiwei must have already reported it to the emperor. As long as Zhu Di still had a good impression of him now, it wasn’t a problem, but who knew what would happen in the future?

After all, this was the Great Ming, a realm filled with an atmosphere of autocracy.

At that moment, Ling Hua was having dinner in the eastern room next to the main hall. When he saw Zhang Yue enter familiarly and glance at his table, he immediately understood his purpose and quickly ordered the maid serving nearby to bring more dishes and chopsticks. Seeing Zhang Yue sit down on the kang without saying a word, he laughed and said, “You keep coming to my place for food so often. My salary can’t afford to support you like this! What happened? Did Commander Liu tell you something troubling again that made you look so upset?”

At that time, another maid brought over a porcelain cup with a white glaze from Dingyao porcelain, placed on a bright red lacquered tray. Zhang Yue had been on his feet all day, his throat parched, and after talking with Liu Zhong, he didn’t care about drinking heavily. He lifted the lid and gulped down some tea first, then said, “Commander Liu wasn’t discussing official matters; he just shared some personal thoughts. It’s just that hearing them made me feel troubled and frustrated.”

“There are many frustrating things in official life,” Ling Hua said. Seeing the maid set out rice and add more chopsticks, he waved his hand to send them away before smiling and saying, “I just received an official document today. Regarding salt affairs, Minister Xia in the court has finally spoken up. The emperor has approved that households using stoves should still receive ten dan of rice per year as stipulated, without cash compensation. Other details are still under discussion. I also have two friends who are Hanlin scholars in the court, and they’ve both written to praise me as an capable official. Little do they know that without Brother Zhang, I would never have earned the title of capable official in my lifetime.”

“If Lord Linghua hadn’t signed it first, wouldn’t my memorial be far less significant?” Zhang Yue smiled slightly but spoke earnestly. “A new official needs to prove himself, and so do I, who’ve been promoted at a young age. This petition is a win-win situation. Now, a pound of salt has already risen to three qian in silver price. Although the court has issued a ban, merchants still refuse to accept paper money. If we don’t find a way to address this soon, the common people will truly run out of salt. That’s why, though salt management seems unrelated to local officials, it’s actually a matter vital to people’s livelihoods. By the way, what’s the outcome regarding corvée labor?”
“There’s always a trade-off. Because of this, the emperor was furious, and we were severely reprimanded, though no punishments have been announced yet. The censors, on the other hand, strongly supported us, so we’ve gained a good reputation—worth it.”
Both of them were starving after a day of work. After exchanging smiles, they stopped talking and focused on eating. Though they came from noble families and knew well the importance of moderation in diet to maintain health, the constant hard work meant Ling Hua and Zhang Yue devoured their food quickly, leaving their plates empty in no time. When the maid brought tea, they discussed official matters for a while longer. Then Zhang Yue took his leave, while Ling Hua returned to the rear courtyard, humming softly to himself.
As long as Zhang Yue could detain the Prince of Shouguang and reduce the Han Prince’s guards, his life as a prefect would be much more comfortable! He had been so busy these days that he’d neglected his newly married concubine before the New Year. Now was the time to relax properly.
Yet, even though Zhang Yue wanted to indulge in lust like Prefect Ling Hua, he didn’t have that luck. After walking through the corridor from the third hall to the second hall and then through another passage, he stepped through the hanging-flower gate of his own residence when he heard a frantic shout.
“Young master, Lady Wu is in trouble!”
It was Qiu Hen, dressed in dark green armor. Without even bothering to bow, she grabbed Zhang Yue and rushed him toward the back door, talking nonstop: “This afternoon, after taking the medicine, Lady Wu vomited and then fell into a coma. Miss Du and Sister Lingxi quickly sent someone to call a doctor, but that quack said he needed to prepare for the worst. It was only then that I remembered last time when the young master took Amber to Dr. Feng’s clinic and met that imperial physician. I mentioned it, and Miss Meng said they’ve tried almost all the doctors in Qingzhou but haven’t seen Dr. Feng yet. They’re ordering a carriage to rush over now!”

It was better not to mention Dr. Feng. Whenever his name came up, Zhang Yue would immediately think of the still mysterious assassination of the Han King, as well as that man’s vile character and attitude. He had initially kept a servant to monitor him for over ten days, but since nothing happened, he withdrew. He had heard that Dr. Feng did have some skills, but he often took advantage of people, which is why few came to seek his medical help. The problem was, if Shi Quan, who was his fellow disciple, couldn’t treat certain illnesses, could Dr. Feng really perform miracles?

When he rushed to the Meng family’s house, he saw a black carriage already parked in front. Upon entering, he saw two strong maids in front of the main house tying bamboo poles to a folding chair, likely preparing to carry Lady Wu out. He hurried over and saw that the door curtain of the main house was wide open, with Du Wan directing them while holding back the curtain.

“You’re here!” Du Wan sent the two maids carrying the folding chair inside. When she looked up and saw Zhang Yue, she greeted him and gently waved her hand, then whispered, “Sister Min is now completely determined. If you have anything to say, just keep it to yourself. Her father is in prison, and her mother is her only support. Even if it’s like trying to revive a dead horse, we have to give it a shot. Nothing others say matters at this point. If you’re worried, accompany her personally!”

Just as Zhang Yue was about to respond, Du Wan took off two gold bracelets from her arm and stuffed them into his hands without saying a word. “From Qiu Hen’s tone, that Dr. Feng seems to have a strange personality. Take these with you for now. It’s better to be prepared. If you don’t need them later, that’s fine. Saving her is the priority right now—agree to whatever he asks!”