Chapter 53: Taking on a Mission in Crisis, Preparations for Departure

“Am I going to Nanjing with my eldest brother and fourth brother?”
No matter how Zhang Yue had imagined it beforehand, he never expected it to turn out this way. As the son of his uncle Zhang Xin, Zhang Jiu going to Nanjing was only natural; Zhang Chao, being the oldest among the grandchildren, could go on errands there while also having the Duke of Britain help him secure a military position—there was nothing amiss with that. But him going…
At that moment, only Lady Gu and Zhang Yue were in the large main hall. Seeing Zhang Yue’s surprised expression, Lady Gu gently coughed and said, “Brother Yue, although Brother Chao is the oldest this time, I’ve already told him that you should make the final decisions, including those related to money. As for Brother Jiu, being the youngest and still concerned about his father, he also needs your supervision. I originally planned to send your father, but I received an urgent message from Nanjing today—your second uncle has to return to Jiaozhi, and we can’t do without your father at home, so…”
Without finishing her sentence, Lady Gu solemnly added, “Once you’re in Nanjing, the Duke of Britain will handle the major matters outside. Listen carefully, observe much, and speak little. But don’t be too modest when it’s time to show initiative. I’ve asked the housekeeper Gao Quan to go with you. He’s an experienced member of the family and has met the Duke of Britain before; he might be able to help you. This mission might take a year or even longer before you return. Since Huobo Qiuhen and the others around you are reliable, take them along as well, and select a few capable and skilled young servants to accompany you.”
Zhang Yue pondered inwardly, wondering why his grandmother was so concerned only about the people around him and didn’t mention who would accompany Zhang Chao and Zhang Jiu. Finally finding an opportunity to interject, he quickly asked, “So once we arrive in Nanjing, will we stay at the Duke of Britain’s house or first go to my uncle’s old residence?”
“Stay at the Duke of Britain’s place,” Lady Gu decided without hesitation. “It’s unclear how long no one has lived in the old residence. Now that your uncle is in prison, those servants might have turned the place into a mess. Since the Duke of Britain has no children yet, he will surely treat you all well—there might even be other opportunities.”
Thinking about those “opportunities,” Zhang Yue stepped out of the room, only to see Zhang Chao, Zhang Qi, and Zhang Jiu standing there. Zhang Chao, who was usually carefree and cheerful, seemed somewhat thin, probably still troubled by the previous annulment incident; while Zhang Jiu, no longer arrogant as before, took the initiative to walk over first and call him third brother.
“Grandmother is inside. Your eldest brother and fourth brother, go in together.”

When Zhang Chao and Zhang Jiu entered the inner room together, they saw Zhang Qi standing aside, sullen. Zhang Yue immediately realized he was upset because he had been left at home alone. With a quick thought, he went up to comfort him, saying, “Second brother, this time I’m going to Nanjing with Eldest Brother and Fourth Brother. Only you are left at home, so your burden gets even heavier. Second Uncle will be returning to Jiaozhi soon, and Father probably won’t be able to take care of household affairs. Grandmother can only rely on you as a man—our entire rear area depends on you!”

Zhang Qi and Zhang Chao had similar temperaments. He had been sulking because he felt neglected. Hearing Zhang Yue’s explanation, he immediately felt a heavy responsibility on his shoulders, and his disappointment and anger vanished right away. He nodded firmly, then punched Zhang Yue’s shoulder twice before declaring bravely, “Third brother, don’t worry. I’m here to take care of everything at home!”

This was exactly what Zhang Yue had been waiting for. He then praised him further, seeing Zhang Qi regain his usual confident and spirited demeanor before he left the main house in relief. After taking a few steps outside, he stopped at the entrance of the east wing room, looking puzzled. After pondering for a long time, he still didn’t go in to knock on the door.

However, just as he turned to leave, the tightly closed door suddenly creaked open. Turning around, he saw Amber coming out—much to his surprise. During the time of childbirth, he had sent Qiuhen and Amber in to help, but later recalled them both. And it seemed he hadn’t sent Amber over either.

“Young master!” Amber seemed preoccupied. She descended a few steps before realizing Zhang Yue was standing in front of her. She was startled and quickly stepped back to bow. Unlike usual, where she would respond only after being asked, this time she explained before Zhang Yue could speak, “It was Master who asked me to inform Madam that you’re going to Nanjing. Madam is worried, so she sent me to convey a few matters.”

Only then did Zhang Yue feel relieved, though he inwardly grumbled that his father was meddling too much—his mother was still in the postpartum period. Wouldn’t it be better to let her rest peacefully and discuss things later? He nodded and continued walking, knowing Amber must be following behind. But after a few steps, he remembered another question and stopped to ask, “Mother only sent for you. Didn’t she send for Qiuhen?”

After waiting for a long time with no sound, Zhang Yue couldn’t help but turn back. He saw Hu Bo still standing dumbfounded at the bottom of the steps, her face turning red and white in a strange manner. It wasn’t until he called out louder that she rushed over in a panic, completely unlike her usual calm demeanor.
“Young master?”
“Never mind, let’s talk about it when we get back!”
Although he didn’t quite understand what his mother had instructed Hu Bo to do that caused such a reaction from this quiet and capable girl, Zhang Yue decided not to press further. On his way back to the western courtyard, he saw several maids rushing back and forth between the main house and the east wing, carrying all sorts of things at top speed. Moreover, shouts could be heard from the rooms on both sides.
“Don’t forget the ptarmigan fur coat the old lady gave to the young master last time—it’s cold in Nanjing!”
“Didn’t the eldest master give the young master two Xiangfei bamboo fans last time? Hurry up and find them; they’ll be useful in summer!”
Just these two exchanges shocked Zhang Yue greatly, not to mention all the other chatter about pills, ear cleaners, and other nonsense. He had come to Nanjing on business, not for sightseeing. Could it really be colder in Nanjing than here in Henan? And was it really necessary to prepare bamboo fans for summer? Before he could speak in anger, Hu Bo quickly passed by him, scolding those noisy maids and driving them away.
After entering the room, Zhang Yue didn’t even glance at the piles of boxes and bags. He gave Qiu Hen clear instructions: “Prepare four sets each of winter and spring clothes, both inner and outer. Bring the sword that Mr. Du gave me back then. Don’t take anything else unless it’s essential—otherwise, it will just cause trouble! Carrying so many boxes will waste time. What will people think when we arrive in Nanjing? If they see the Zhang family acting recklessly despite being in trouble, won’t it implicate the Duke of Britain as well?”
It was the first time Qiu Hen had heard Zhang Yue speak in such a strict tone. Her face turned red as she stood up and replied, then hesitantly added, “I just went to the second madam’s place and saw the maids pack four or five large boxes. That’s why I’m trying to bring everything that can be taken— I didn’t intend to cause trouble for the young master…”

“Aunt Second?” Zhang Yue tapped his forehead in pain, then smiled bitterly. “Just watch. As long as Uncle Second is still in this house, when we set off tomorrow, what Big Brother brings will be less than mine, never more! Organize everything again as I said—the fewer things, the less attention they’ll draw.”