Chapter 265: Friends, Brothers, Legitimate and Illegitimate

“Third Uncle, I greet you from afar!”

Upon reuniting with an old friend, Sun Han’s first words left Zhang Yue momentarily stunned. Fortunately, the two were familiar with each other, and it wasn’t at Ruiqing Hall but in Zhang Yue’s own study, so there was no risk of outsiders seeing and mocking them. He tilted his head to look at Sun Han and suddenly chuckled, “You’ve given up literature for martial arts and have a bright future ahead. Now it’s your turn to support me!”

Sun Han had only switched from scholarly pursuits to military service after his grandfather’s one-year mourning period ended. It was less out of his own desire and more because the scholars who had left before him hadn’t been assigned any good positions—mostly county officials of the eighth or ninth rank—so it was better to take advantage of the emperor’s recognition of the Sun family’s contributions. Later, by chance, he came across Zhu Di’s favor, which brought even more benefits. Hearing Zhang Yue’s words, he smiled after a moment of surprise.

“Do you still need someone to support you? The Prince of Han clearly wants to win you over. It’s one thing to refuse his kindness, but you even teamed up with your teacher to undermine him. Do you realize how famous you, Mr. Zhang, have become in Beijing? Even my uncle, who just inherited the title of Earl of Yingcheng, is whispering behind his back. Who would have thought the emperor would summon you personally? It’s left many people in awe. Your elder brothers even asked many people to intercede for you, but it was all in vain.”

Hearing that Zhang Chao and Zhang Qi were so concerned about his affairs, Zhang Yue quickly asked for details. Had he not asked, he wouldn’t have known that Zhang Chao and Zhang Qi were generous and bold in nature, with solid martial skills, allowing them to thrive among the descendants of meritorious officials and gain great popularity. They had also gathered many people to help him. As for a weak scholar like Sun Han who suddenly switched to a military role, without the brothers’ support, he would have struggled to get ahead in the army.

Sun Han then laughed and said, “Marriages for us from noble families are not up to us. My marriage was also arranged entirely by my uncle. At first, I thought since it was a girl from your family, she must have good upbringing and character, so I was willing to it. Besides, your elder brothers are also righteous people. Well, once your second brother’s marriage is settled, it will be my turn. Then I can rightfully call you Third Uncle.”

From friends, they had become almost in-laws, and naturally, both of them were extremely happy. Sun Han saw the various books neatly arranged on the shelves in Zhang Yue’s study and couldn’t help but take them out one by one to read, his face showing envy. Yet since he was now on duty as a guard, even his interest in literature could only serve as an extra bonus, which made him feel somewhat disheartened.

As he read, he suddenly remembered another matter. He quickly put the book back on the shelf and turned around, saying, “By the way, the Imperial Academy will be moving to Beijing next month. Brother Fang and Young Master Gu will both come there. When I left, Brother Fang even complained that I wasn’t loyal. Alas, his father is a gambler, and his elder brother ignores him, giving him only two taels of silver per month—what’s that good for? I even lent him fifty taels when I left Nanjing. On the other hand, Young Master Gu studies hard and has won the praise of several professors at the Imperial Academy, always ranking among the top in monthly exams.”

Every family has its own troubles. Hearing about Fang Ling’s situation, Zhang Yue began thinking about how to help him once they arrived in Beijing. Just then, a voice came from outside the study.

“Young master, Lord Wan and Young Master Xia have come to pay their respects!”

Hearing that Wan Shijie and Xia Ji had also arrived, Zhang Yue was overjoyed and quickly invited them in. In no time, the door to the study was pushed open, and the two entered one after another.

Wan Shijie, in front, wore a slightly worn light blue robe, with black cloth shoes that had turned white from washing. Xia Ji, behind him, was neatly dressed in a brand-new sapphire-blue robe, giving him the appearance of a young official. As soon as he entered, he complained irritably, “Why is it that Brother Wan is called ‘lord’ while I’m just called ‘young master’? We should be treated equally! Yuanjie, don’t be fooled by Wan Brother’s shabby clothes—he did it on purpose. This time, the Imperial Clan Office assigned him to select attendants for Princess Chenliu!”

This surprised not only Zhang Yue but also the smiling Sun Han. All six pairs of eyes in the room stared at him, leaving Wan Shijie feeling extremely uncomfortable. He could only cough irritably.

“All the princesses and noblewomen in our dynasty are chosen from the descendants of meritorious officials. Yet this time, the emperor actually had the imperial supervisor, Mr. Zhang, prepare a list and submit it to the Imperial Clan Office. How could I know my name would be on it!” Although Wan Shijie had met Princess Chenliu once and knew she wasn’t spoiled, he still didn’t want to marry a noblewoman from the imperial family and be burdened by her. “Princess Chenliu is treated as a true princess by the emperor. All those descendants of meritorious officials are eager to marry her, so it’s certainly not my turn.”

Thinking of Zhu Ning’s disinterested attitude when discussing marriage and hearing Wan Shijie’s tone now, Zhang Yue couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. What’s the point of being a seemingly perfect young lady if she’s like a puppet when it comes to marriage?

The sun outside was scorching, but inside there were ice basins, and several tall trees nearby kept the place relatively cool. After fanning himself for a while, Wan Shijie, drenched in sweat, complained that Zhang Yue lived in luxury and enjoyed comfort. When he learned that the Zhang family had ice storage enough to last the whole summer, he was even more impressed.

A Hanlin scholar-official was only of the seventh rank, with a monthly salary of seven dan of rice—eighty percent in rice and twenty percent in cash. In total, it was just five dan and six dou of rice plus fourteen guan in cash, which was at most four taels and four qian in silver. With such a meager amount of money each month, it would be difficult to even rent a house in Beijing, let alone buy property. So the two continued to stay in the small quadrangle house in Zhang Yue’s Xipailou Alley, paying a nominal amount of money, which Zhang Yue didn’t mind. Even though the summer was unbearable, they didn’t have enough money to buy ice.

Putting away his fan, Wan Shijie sighed, “We officials really live in poverty. That young man from the Fang family who moved in a few days ago seems honest. He got along well with us quickly. Only after learning how little we officials earn did he realize how much better off he is in the Duke of Yingguo’s household. His monthly salary is five taels of silver—more than what we seventh-rank officials earn. He’s talented at studying and willing to put in effort. Xia Xiaodi often debates with him when he has nothing to do. Yuanjie, you’ve brought in a really useful person.”

“As long as you don’t say I brought in a fool. I just thought that since he’s an outsider living in the Duke of Yingguo’s household, there might be servants who look down on him and ruin his character and future for no reason. I’m not saying it’s easy to be a poor relative in a wealthy family. His brother abandoned him and went somewhere unknown. He’s alone, with no friends…”

As soon as the word “friend” was spoken, there was another round of knocking at the door. Zhang Yue was surprised at this and wondered what day it was that people kept coming in waves. He went to open the door personally and then realized that the Liansheng and Lianhu brothers, who should have been waiting outside, were nowhere to be seen. Instead, it was his fourth brother, Zhang Jiu, standing under the eaves. Seeing him drenched in sweat with a red face, Zhang Yue thought some serious incident must have happened and quickly asked, “Xiao Si, what’s going on?”
“I…”
Zhang Jiu had been earnestly reprimanded by Zhang Qing last time, which made him think a bit. But since he rarely went out, and his brothers Zhang Chao and Zhang Qi were often away from home, he didn’t dare slack off in his studies. Where could he find friends? Today, he finally had an afternoon free, but after wandering around the entire mansion, he couldn’t think of anywhere to pass the time. He had no idea how to behave outside either. Hearing that Zhang Yue had guests, he decided to drop by on a whim, but now he hesitated to leave.
“I don’t need to study this afternoon, so I came to see if you’re free, Third Brother. Since there are guests, I’ll leave then…”
Hearing this and seeing Zhang Jiu turn to leave, Zhang Yue was stunned. Being quick-witted, he quickly figured out what was going on. Before Zhang Jiu could take a few steps, he grabbed him. Since Zhang Jiu was inconsistent in his martial training, weak, and now even half a head shorter than him, his strength was nowhere near Zhang Yue’s. It didn’t take much effort to pull him back. Looking at his fourth brother, who used to act like he had his eyes in the back of his head, he suddenly tapped him on the head.
“You think you can hide your little plans from me? Since you’re here, why say you’re leaving? Come in with us.”
The three people inside were discussing when to go to Shichahai when they saw Zhang Yue bring in a young man, and they were all puzzled. Sun Han had met Zhang Jiu before and knew he was the eldest grandson of the Zhang family and the old lady’s favorite. Without waiting for Zhang Yue to speak, he introduced him to the other two.
Wan Shijie and Xia Ji were casual people who didn’t care about formalities. Even though everyone had just met, they greeted each other as if they were old friends. At first, Zhang Jiu was a bit nervous as Zhang Yue forced him to sit down, but seeing that the others didn’t treat him as an outsider, he gradually felt at ease and started talking more. When Wan Shijie and the others invited him to go to Shichahai in five days before leaving, he agreed without hesitation. After agreeing, he glanced anxiously at Zhang Yue.

Zhang Yue shook his head and declined the invitation, then said with a smile, “I’m ordered to return to the capital and can’t wander around. Besides, I don’t know when I’ll have to leave, so it’s not a good time to go to Shichahai. I’ll leave Xiao Si with you—just make sure you don’t spoil him.”
“Relax. He’s Yuanjie’s brother and also my future brother-in-law. If I spoil him, how will I face your mother-in-law? Don’t worry at all; we’re just going to Shichahai to relax a bit.”
With Sun Han’s assurance, Zhang Yue cheerfully saw him off at Chuihua Gate. Turning back and seeing Zhang Jiu still standing there, he reminded him, “Sun Han lives in the Yingcheng Bo’s residence, while Wan and Xia live in Xipailou Alley. They’re both straightforward and unrestrained. If you have time, go visit them—just send someone to arrange it in advance. Wan and Xia are both top scholars. If you plan to take the imperial exams, it won’t hurt to spend time with them.”
Only then did Zhang Jiu realize that Zhang Yue understood his thoughts perfectly, and he felt a bit embarrassed. It wasn’t until Zhang Yue smiled and turned to leave that he snapped out of it and hurried after him.
“Third brother, during these days at home, if I have any questions about my studies…”
Hearing Zhang Jiu’s hesitant words, Zhang Yue replied, “If you need anything, just come to the western courtyard. What’s there to discuss between brothers? Don’t stay indoors reading all day—otherwise you’ll become a bookworm, and that wouldn’t be worth it!”
Though he was the beloved of his grandmother and mother, Zhang Jiu was somewhat withdrawn and proud. The servants were overly deferential to him, and the maids in his own room treated him as their master. Zhang Chao and Zhang Qi didn’t treat him as an outsider, but they didn’t go out of their way to care about his thoughts. Zhang Qing, who was already married, certainly couldn’t watch over him all the time. So when he heard Zhang Yue readily agree, he felt relieved. Hearing that Zhang Yue was going to the northern courtyard, he simply followed along.
Zhang Yue originally thought only Lingxi was with Lady Gu in the northern courtyard, but when he and Zhang Jiu entered one after another, they found the main hall filled with people. Lady Gu was leaning against a backrest on the wall, with Bai Fang fanning her. On the left stood Lady Feng and Concubine Qin of the eldest branch, while on the right were Lady Dongfang, Concubine Luo, and Li Yunhui Xiang. In the middle stood a young woman with a slightly rounded belly—by her back, it seemed to be Concubine Fang. Her posture looked rather awkward.

Lady Gu didn’t expect Zhang Yue to enter the house together with Zhang Jiu. She glanced at the faces of the two brothers, and her originally grim expression gradually softened. A harmonious family brings prosperity; she didn’t want to cause a scene in front of her grandchildren either. So she said calmly, “Since you accidentally fell into the water before, it’s only right that you rest and take care of the baby. But every family has its own rules. No matter what the reason, you can’t prevent your wife from entering the house. I don’t care about the customs of the Bai people—our Great Ming Dynasty values hierarchy and proper conduct.”

After bowing, Zhang Yue pulled Zhang Jiu aside. Hearing his grandmother’s words, he realized that the family affairs of the second branch had escalated, and he had indeed come at the wrong time. However, he noticed that although he couldn’t see Fang’s concubine’s expression clearly when those words about hierarchy were spoken, Dong Fangshi’s complexion paled slightly. At that moment, he felt a surge of fear.

These words struck a blow at Fang’s concubine, and indirectly affected the second and third branches as well! Though they were mostly meant as a reminder to Dong Fangshi, they still didn’t sound pleasant in his ears.

With such strict rules in place, Dong Fangshi, who had rushed over angrily to complain, could only swallow her anger, while Fang Shuixin was filled with resentment. Whether before or after marriage, who dared to treat her in such a manner? But thinking of Zhang You’s warnings, she gritted her teeth and agreed. After Lady Gu finished scolding her, she excused herself on the grounds of feeling unwell, not noticing the varied expressions of the people in the room as she left.

At that moment, Lady Gu was furious. She sent everyone else away, leaving only Zhang Jiu. After asking a few questions, she learned that Zhang Yue had introduced Zhang Jiu to some friends and was willing to help with his studies. She felt relieved and gently stroked Zhang Jiu’s head.

“Study hard under your third brother. It’s good to go out more often. I’m getting old; I don’t know how many more years I can keep this family together, nor do I know when your father will return…”