Chapter 256: Rise and Fall, Honor and Disgrace

Duke of Ying, Zhang Fu, was training troops in Xuanfu, while Duke of Cheng, Zhu Yong, was in charge of the Central Military Command and remained in Nanjing. These two most trusted dukes from the Yongle era were now both away from Beijing. The Crown Prince, Zhu Gaochi, was still in Nanjing acting as regent, his health fluctuating. As a result, the Crown Prince’s grandson, Zhu Zhanji, had to rush from Beijing to Nanjing a month earlier to care for him. Yang Shiji, a man of prudence, also bore the responsibility of staying in Nanjing to assist the crown prince. Thus, in Beijing, there were very few people Zhang Yue could rely on.

He wasn’t brought back by the Jinyiwei, and he didn’t mention whether he was returning to report achievements or face punishment. After submitting his documents, there was complete silence for three days. Though anxious and eager to inquire around, he knew it was better to stay calm, so he acted as a filial grandson, spending his days by Gu’s sickbed.

Gu was old and naturally enjoyed having her grandchildren around. After taking her medicine at noon that day, she refused to rest and, leaning on a pillow, began to talk about past events. When she recounted the thrilling battles between the northern and southern armies in Henan and Shandong, she couldn’t help but sigh deeply.

“The Yan army and the southern forces fought fiercely in Henan and Shandong, causing widespread casualties. Since everyone knew your great-grandfather commanded the Yan King’s army, our entire family had to flee Kaifeng to escape. You weren’t born yet at that time. Your second uncle organized all the men in the family into an army and successfully attacked several groups of southern troops, saving our lives. Your great-uncle, who had already become an official as the top scholar in the imperial examinations, struggled greatly to escape from Nanjing—your father was the one who led people to rescue him…”

This was something Zhang Yue had never heard before. He only knew that his great-uncle, Zhang Yu, had died in the battle of Dongchang. He also knew that Zhang Fu had achieved many feats by following in his father’s footsteps, but he wasn’t aware that the Zhang family in Xiangfu had nearly been destroyed due to their relationship with Prince Zhu Di of Yan. Indeed, seeking wealth and status always came with great risks.

“Actually, compared to the chaos at the end of the Yuan dynasty, the dangers during the Jingnan Campaign were nothing. After all, the Mongol Yuan regime was still the legitimate authority back then. Your great-grandfather and grandfather both served in government, with your great-grandfather traveling across the deserts before returning to the Ming dynasty in the 18th year of the Hongwu era. Your grandfather also lived in seclusion for many years. Looking back now, if we had realized earlier, perhaps our family wouldn’t have suffered so much. But without that experience, the Zhang family wouldn’t have been able to truly understand the broader trends of the world. I, an old woman, have experienced almost everything related to the rise and fall of dynasties. But the Zhang family only needed your great-grandfather; now that we’ve grown into a large and prosperous family, we can’t afford another upheaval.”

As she spoke, Lady Gu showed a tired expression, closed her eyes for a while, then opened them to glance at Zhang Yue. Seeing him sitting there in thought, she knew he had listened to her words and likely understood them. Leaning back, she continued, “Your eldest uncle has been away for nearly two months now, and it’s unclear when the troops stationed in Xuanfu will return. It’s not convenient for you to go anywhere else at the moment. When you have time, go see your eldest aunt.”

Just as Zhang Yue was about to nod in response, there was a commotion outside the door, accompanied by a loud voice. Soon, the bamboo curtains separating the inner and outer rooms were lifted, and it was Eastern Lady, his second aunt, who entered. She was dressed in a bright red robe embroidered with gold and colorful patterns, along with a red silk skirt. Her phoenix hairpin shone brightly under the candlelight, highlighting her angry expression.

“Elderly lady, we can’t go on like this!”

Although Eastern Lady saw Zhang Yue, she was so filled with resentment that she forgot about proper etiquette. After bowing, she sat on the edge of the bed and began to cry. “Your husband finally returned from Jiaozhi. Even though he brought a woman with him, I’m not the kind to be intolerant. She’s already pregnant, and I assigned several maids to take care of her, but she still picks and chooses and spreads rumors in front of your husband! Elderly lady, she even claims your husband promised to grant her an official title—how can such a thing be possible?”

“Enough!” Lady Gu, who was already sick, had no patience for this. She immediately frowned. “She’s carrying your second son, and she’s from a barbarian tribe that doesn’t know proper manners. As the head of the household, you have plenty of time to establish rules. As for her request for an official title, don’t take it seriously. The court has its own rules. Even if she’s granted the title of ‘Gongren’ or ‘Yiren,’ it’s only to appease her family—not to override you!”

After hearing these words, Dongfang Shi felt even more bitter than if she had swallowed coptis. She wasn’t naturally forgiving or magnanimous. After marriage, her husband Zhang You was constantly away on military campaigns, leaving only the weak and useless Lady Luo at home. Now that the couple had finally been reunited and she had become a second-rank consort, who would have expected her to suddenly have an extra concubine—young, beautiful, and of some status? Moreover, this concubine was even pregnant! Filled with anger, she took a deep breath and wanted to argue further, but unexpectedly, Lady Gu spoke up again.
“Brother Yue, go to the Duke of Yingguo’s residence first. Remember to ask Gao Quan to pick out a few items from the warehouse. The Duke’s wife is still weak after giving birth to a daughter, and the donkey-hide gelatin you brought from Shandong will be very useful.”
With just a few words, she sent Zhang Yue away. Then Lady Gu managed to sit up straight, her gaze like a knife as it swept across Dongfang Shi’s face, followed by two coughs. It was only then that Dongfang Shi became somewhat panicked. She stepped forward to help her catch her breath and scolded the maid to bring hot tea. Finally, she lowered her head in submission.
“You’re not young anymore—how can you still be as naive as a young bride? My second son already told me that she is the only daughter of the Tusi of Mangshi. It was Duke Mu Sheng of Qian State who arranged this marriage. Because of this marriage, the Tusi of Mangshi provided considerable assistance to the imperial army in Jiaozhi. As a result, the other Tusi under Duke Mu Sheng also became much more obedient, sending twice as many tributes as before. She even saved my second son several times—this is quite a remarkable story. If my second son hadn’t risen so quickly, do you think Duke Mu Sheng would have been so eager? As long as you fulfill your duties as the chief wife, and if you don’t like her, just ignore her—that’s it.”
It was Duke Mu Sheng of Qian State who arranged the marriage! Dongfang Shi clenched the handkerchief in her hand tightly, swallowing any objections she might have had. She nodded in agreement involuntarily. Finally, when the old lady lay down again, she left the room with the maid, her face gradually turning pale. As a housewife for many years, it was less about sudden anger and more about trying to gauge the old lady’s attitude—only to run into such a stubborn obstacle!
That woman’s age was almost equal to Zhang You’s daughter. With such status, she could have married anyone, but instead, she had to be his concubine!

When Zhang Yue went to the front and found the butler Gao Quan, it happened that the chief butler was leading people to clean the warehouse. He immediately stated his purpose. Upon hearing it was an order from the old lady, Gao Quan quickly had two servants search through the piled-up goods in the warehouse and find a few items, then had them pack them in gift boxes. He then personally escorted Zhang Yue to the entrance of the courtyard.

“Just now, the second master ordered me to find Korean ginseng and rose perfume. I had my men search the entire warehouse, and I almost forgot one thing,” Gao Quan said as he took out a note from his sleeve and handed it to Zhang Yue. He then whispered, “This was delivered at the gate an hour ago. It’s a note from the Sun family.”

The Sun family? Zhang Yue gently opened it and suddenly understood, though he was also a bit puzzled—after all, Sun Han should still be studying at the National Academy in Nanjing at this time. How could he be in Beijing and send him a note? Still, life is truly unpredictable. This friend he had made back then, with whom he shared a similar temperament, would soon become his brother-in-law.

“Since the death of the Earl of Yingcheng before the New Year, Young Master Sun stopped his studies at the National Academy and has now joined the Jinyiwei,” Gao Quan explained with a smile, seeing that Zhang Yue seemed puzzled. “Young Master Sun is quite fortunate. Although he was originally a student at the academy and not as skilled in literature as the children of noble families, he composed a poem for the emperor during a hunting trip, which earned him special favor and allowed him to be promoted three ranks at once. Now many people envy the second young lady’s good fortune—although she isn’t from the direct line of the Earl of Yingcheng, she’s married to a promising man!”

Gao Quan kept talking nonstop, while Zhang Yue felt truly happy inside. Things were different now from the Hongwu era, when even students could become officials directly, but it wasn’t considered the proper path. Given Sun Han’s age, he would have had to wait many years. But now that he had caught the emperor’s attention, he would likely have to work much less. He glanced down at the scheduled time again, then took the gift box from Gao Quan and hurried off to the stables.

Since Zhang Fu was training troops in Xuanfu, Qingshui Hutong in front of the Duke of Yingguo’s mansion appeared rather deserted. Only a sedan chair and a few horses were parked outside, likely belonging to family members from some other household who had come to pay a visit. Zhang Yue only brought Peng Shisan with him today. The two went straight to the west gate and dismounted. Peng Shisan, being straightforward, immediately asked the gatekeeper who came up to greet them.

“Who else could it be? Of course, it’s the second madam from the western mansion!” The doorkeeper chuckled and gestured for Zhang Yue to enter with an empty hand, talking as they walked, “The second madam is too lenient. The eldest son of the second master was scolded by the emperor before; he had just recovered from his injuries when he took a fancy to a maid by her side and took her away without hesitation, even breaking her face. Yet this legitimate mother couldn’t stop him. Sigh, the third madam also came by a few days ago, complaining as well. The madam still hadn’t recovered from childbirth—it’s truly overwhelming…”
Thinking that the household affairs in his second wife’s household must also be in chaos, Zhang Yue secretly shook his head and stopped asking further questions. He handed over the donkey-hide gelatin and a few other items he brought to the butler Rong Shan who came out to greet him. He then inquired about Zhang Fu, the Duke of Ying, in Xuanfu, and Rong Shan answered all his questions. Just as they were about to reach the gate adorned with carved columns and weeping willows, a maid rushed out from inside.
“Butler Rong, hurry and call a doctor! The madam suddenly fainted!”
Hearing this news, not only was Rong Shan shocked, but Zhang Yue was also startled. He rushed into the gate at top speed. When he arrived at the main residence of Lady Wang, he found Lady Deng in a state of panic and confusion. After much hustle and bustle, when the doctor finally arrived to take her pulse, he came up with an unexpected result.
Lady Wang, who had been postpartum for just over half a year, was actually pregnant again, three months along! Calculating the timeline, it coincided precisely with the month before Zhang Fu left.