Chapter 413: Thunder in the East, Clear Skies in the West

Zhang Yue’s strategy for Jiaozhi was quickly submitted. It was a lengthy document containing advice from Zhang Fu and Zhang You, reminders from his father-in-law Du Zhen, and his own careful reflections from his time in the Ministry of War. Though it didn’t cover everything, it had taken all aspects into consideration. Since the misdeeds of Ma Qi, the military supervisor in Jiaozhi, had been mentioned previously, he only touched on it briefly this time to avoid overdoing it. Just one day after submitting the document, he received a message sent by Hu Qi at Yuan Fang’s request.

“Lord Yuan says the emperor has ordered the Jinyiwei to investigate the situation in Jiaozhi thoroughly. You needn’t worry about this, young master. But there’s another matter that’s even more concerning. After last December, Wang Shecheng of the Imperial Observatory was dismissed and executed for speaking rashly. The idea that the celestial signs were unfavorable for the imperial grandson had long been ignored, but now the news of the death of the Han Prince has revived such rumors. Some even whisper that the current celestial signs are not only unfavorable for the imperial grandson but for the entire royal family. Coincidentally, the Prince of Zhou, who was originally in good health, fell ill just days after arriving in the capital, sparking more speculation.”

“Speculation… Does the Jinyiwei not know what’s really going on with the Prince of Zhou?”

“Since arriving in the capital, aside from meeting the emperor and taking a brief tour of the city, the Prince of Zhou has stayed indoors, not even leaving his bedroom. Even if the Jinyiwei is highly capable, they can’t uncover the truth, so Lord Yuan still doesn’t know what’s happening.”

Hearing Hu Qi’s words, Zhang Yue sensed a rather complex situation. Yuan Fang was undoubtedly extremely intelligent, but perhaps having been involved in too many schemes, he failed to notice this. The Prince of Zhou, Zhu Tu, fell ill at just this critical moment. Whether it was real or fake illness, the emperor must be extremely annoyed. But since Zhu Di showed no reaction, it clearly meant this wasn’t a major issue.

Over the past half month, Zhu Ning had been visiting home almost every other day, always muttering to Du Wan. Though he hadn’t heard exactly what they were talking about, he could guess that the Prince of Zhou was using his illness as an excuse to pressure the young princess to marry quickly. Yet Zhu Ning, usually so decisive and bold like a man, seemed to have some hesitation this time!

Therefore, facing Hu Qi’s helpless expression, Zhang Yue could only say vaguely, “When you go there tomorrow, tell Lord Yuan that the Prince of Zhou’s illness has little to do with the rumors outside. Tell him not to worry.”

Hu Qi had been following Zhang Yue for over two years and knew this man would never speak carelessly, so he went without hesitation. In the Zixing Studio, Zhang Yue finished organizing the manuscripts on the geography and customs of Jiaozhi given to him by Zhang Fu, then sorted everything into cabinets before locking the door and heading to the inner courtyard. It was nearly midnight by now, completely dark, and Lian Sheng and Lian Hu escorted him to the second gate before stopping. As he was the last to return from the outer courtyard, he had to instruct the gatekeepers to close and lock the gate.

Seeing that there was no one with Zhang Yue, the two gatekeepers who guarded the second gate offered to accompany him with lanterns, but Zhang Yue didn’t want to cause trouble and waved his hand to decline their kindness. After walking a short distance along the corridor, passing by the eastern courtyard of his second uncle Zhang You, he noticed that the courtyard gate wasn’t closed yet. He saw a light shining in the east wing room, and faintly heard Zhang You’s voice inside. Realizing that Zhang You must be staying at Fangshuixin that night, he continued on. But just after passing the courtyard gate, he heard quite a bit of noise.

“Tell me, where have I wronged you? You were dying from miasma, and I risked my life to find a doctor to cure you! Your imperial army couldn’t get horses, so I went back and pleaded with my father! Those local officials refused to obey orders and harassed you—wasn’t it me who led the warriors of our clan to kill them for you? Zhang You, I followed you without seeking any recognition. I didn’t blame you after falling into the water, I ignored your family’s harsh words, and I even accepted losing our child. But you’re so heartless and ungrateful!”

“Stop making a fuss. National affairs aren’t something to be taken lightly!”

“I don’t know what national affairs are. If we go by your Han people’s standards, my father is your father-in-law. He only asked you once—how could you just ignore it? We sent so many horses to Jiaozhi just so you could get more tea and cotton cloth. How can you, a count, refuse even such a small favor? What did you tell my father when you married me? Men are all liars—you’ve been deceiving me all along. When have you ever asked for an imperial decree for me?”

“These things aren’t up to me alone. I’ve already said I’ll go and inquire. What more do you want? The court has its laws and regulations. Even if I’m just a count, or even a duke like Qing Guogong, I can’t just do as I please! Enough, enough—you wouldn’t understand anyway… I have to attend court tomorrow. I’ll talk to you again after I’ve inquired.”

Hearing a creak from inside, Zhang Yue knew that Zhang You must have left the east wing room. Although the argument revealed some information, scattered words still came through, but he had no interest in meddling in his elders’ family affairs and quickened his pace. However, when he reached the northern courtyard ahead, the courtyard door creaked open, followed by an annoyed voice.
“Making such a racket at this late hour—your wife doesn’t even intervene. Does this Concubine Fang understand the hierarchy between legitimate and concubine wives? It’s utterly outrageous. Your father seems to indulge her too much… Ah, is it your third brother?”
Zhao Fen, who was muttering to herself, was startled to see Zhang Yue standing in the alley with a lantern, her face showing embarrassment. Fortunately, a clever maid nearby quickly bowed and explained, “Third young master, the second young master has a competition at the training ground tomorrow. He’s quite irritable after being awakened by the noise, so our grandmother came out to check.”
Faced with two such troubles in a row, Zhang Yue felt both annoyed and amused. He nodded perfunctorily and hurried away. As he turned at the alley’s end, a few more voices of argument drifted over on the night breeze. Glancing over, he saw Zhao Fen still standing at the entrance of the northern courtyard with the maid, watching. He shook his head inwardly. Back in his western courtyard, he knocked on the door and handed the lantern to a maid who answered, then stepped inside after lifting the curtain.
“Brother!”
As soon as Zhang Yue entered the inner room from the main hall, he was dazzled, and soon a figure rushed into his arms. Realizing it was Zhang Jing, he glanced at Du Wan and Lady Sun on the kang—one smiling broadly while the other looked exasperated. He knew well that the small favors he had brought back for the child had worked, so he affectionately pinched the child’s cheek.
“It’s so late—still awake? Didn’t you eat the candy cakes I brought you today?”
“I was already half-asleep and planning to have someone carry her back to her room, but with such loud noise, how could she not wake up?” Lady Sun snapped her lips irritably before asking, “It sounded like your second uncle’s voice. Is there trouble there? Your second aunt may be shrewd, but she wouldn’t do such a thing. Is it that Concubine Fang?”

Seeing Zhang Yue nod, Lady Sun couldn’t help frowning. “The old lady, considering she’s from a foreign tribe and lost another child that was just beginning to develop, doesn’t want her to come and serve except during morning and evening visits. She also ordered your second aunt not to let her set any rules. Now that this has blown up, it’s embarrassing for everyone. With your second aunt’s temperament, it’s already quite remarkable that she tolerates her. Back when your father was irresponsible, I never gave him a kind word, yet your second aunt actually allowed her to enter the family…” Halfway through her rant, she suddenly realized they were in her son and daughter-in-law’s room, not a place for private talks with her husband, and immediately stopped talking. Seeing Zhang Yue wink at her cheerfully and noticing Zhang Jing looking at her in confusion below, she didn’t even bother to check Du Wan’s expression behind her. She bent down and picked up Zhang Jing, using her as cover to hide her slightly flushed face. “Stop making a fuss. Now that your brother’s back, he naturally needs to rest with your sister-in-law. Come, let’s go back inside and sleep!” Seeing Zhang Jing reluctantly being carried back by Lady Sun, Zhang Yue couldn’t help but laugh silently. He then told Hu Po to close the door. When he turned around, he saw Du Wan beaming with joy, so he went over and sat down across from her. “Mother is already quite old, but sometimes she still acts like a young person. Even your father always includes a special note for her at the end of each letter he sends. By the way, does she still ask you to write letters back?” “Although Mother can read, she finds writing too tiring. Of course, as her daughter-in-law, I have to write for her.” Remembering the blunt words Lady Sun had insisted she write down in detail, Du Wan’s smile grew even wider. “Mother is an honest person, which is why I feel comfortable being with her. We always speak openly, and even if she scolds me, it makes her happy. Oh, there’s something I almost forgot to tell you. Today, my father sent word that Yang Shiqi recommended him for a position in the cabinet, and the emperor summoned him this afternoon.” His father-in-law was going into the cabinet? Suddenly shifting from family matters to state affairs, Zhang Yue was stunned and then greatly surprised. Given Du Zhen’s talents, abilities, and character, he was certainly qualified to serve in the cabinet and handle confidential matters. If he hadn’t made it so far these years, it was probably because his son-in-law had held him back. So why had things suddenly changed? Faced with what should have been good news, he hesitated for a long time before asking, “So how did your father respond to the emperor?”

Du Wan was already used to Zhang Yue’s occasional use of the title “sir,” so she smiled and said, “Although Father has never sought fame or recognition, he also never pretends. The Emperor said it was because of Yang Shiqi’s recommendation, along with his trust in Father’s integrity and abilities, that Father agreed to take on the position.”
Indeed, her father-in-law was that straightforward! Zhang Yue sighed inwardly but couldn’t help thinking of Du Zhen’s last promotion. That time, serving as the governor of Shandong ended with him spending over a month in the Jinyiwei prison before eventually returning to his original position. This time, joining the cabinet was a good thing, and since he was in the capital, there should be no risks.