Chapter 591: Helping Others Is Also Strengthening Oneself

By the time Zhang Yue left Fangling, it was already 2 o’clock in the evening. The vernal equinox had long passed, and the days had grown longer; naturally, the sun set much later than before. At this moment, the setting sun hung low in the west, casting a fiery red glow across the sky, while its intense afterglow stretched people’s shadows dramatically long. Thus, while still in the courtyard, Zhang Yue could see the figure at the entrance—someone who had tried to hide themselves, yet whose shadow was clearly visible on the ground.

Waiting at the entrance was a middle-aged maid with a few pockmarks on her left cheek. She wore a flattering smile and, after bowing, said, “Lord Zhang, my wife said that since you and the second young master are friends, it’s only natural for you to come by. There’s no need to bother preparing gifts—it would only seem presumptuous. If you want to visit again in the future, just let us know at the gate.”

Glancing back at Fangling, whose expression remained impassive, and recalling his firm determination that even nine oxen couldn’t sway, Zhang Yue felt displeased. But thinking of the person behind Fangling, he didn’t want to stay any longer. He replied indifferently, “Please convey my thanks to your aunt for her kindness. But I’ll be busy with matters ahead, so I may not have the chance to visit again.”

As he spoke, he glanced back at Fangling. Seeing that Fangling turned away, refusing to look at him, Zhang Yue felt genuine anger. Without hesitation, he said sternly, “Fang brother, if you still consider me a friend, listen to my advice. Don’t force things. Going straight may be slower, but it’s safer. Taking shortcuts, however, can lead to unexpected disasters at any moment! There are many paths in life and countless opportunities, but there’s only one life. Don’t stubbornly fight to the end!”

Without waiting for Fangling’s reply, Zhang Yue bowed and turned to leave. The middle-aged maid was utterly confused by this sudden outburst. After a while, she realized what had happened and shot Fangling a strange look before hurriedly chasing after him. Fangling stood there for a long time. Only when the path ahead was once again empty did he sigh and turn back inside. Seeing Xiujian, the maid who had served him for years, standing at the door with worried eyes, he stepped forward and embraced her.

“Don’t worry. It’s nothing serious! As long as I work hard, there will be a day when I succeed!”

Although he knew that even if someone in the Eastern Palace had instigated it, it was still Fang Ling’s own choice, Zhang Yue still felt uneasy throughout the journey back from Fang’s residence. The brothers of the Zhang family, spanning two generations, always worked together in times of crisis; even if there were differences, they wouldn’t trip others up—this was the family tradition passed down from their grandmother, Lady Gu. But in other families, such behavior among the Fangs was not uncommon. Everyone focused on their own affairs, indifferent to others’ problems, and even within the family, people guarded their own interests, fearing loss. While this might seem simpler and less troublesome, what’s the point of life if there’s no one to trust or rely on? Helping others is ultimately helping oneself, but sadly, few people understand this truth.

Due to this extra trip, it was already completely dark when Zhang Yue returned home. Now that all four of them were married, they naturally ate in their own rooms. After Du Wan gave birth, Sister Li stayed behind, so small kitchens were set up in the other three courtyards. Food was purchased daily and divided into four portions to ensure everyone had a consistent taste.

Hungry from the journey, Zhang Yue changed clothes and washed his hands before seeing the meal ready on the table. He sat down immediately. After finishing the meal, as the family sat around drinking tea and chatting, he heard Zhang Jing mention reading with Zhang Tian that day. He then asked Du Wan, “Did Auntie bring Sister Tian here today?”

“Yes. Jing really enjoyed being her teacher today and almost refused to let her go!” Du Wan saw Zhang Jing rush over and grab her arm vigorously, so she gently patted her head. “Did I say something wrong? Sister Tian will come again tomorrow. You’ve already used your best tricks today—what will you teach her then? If not for your sister Hu Bo guiding you, you might have made a fool of yourself. Use this evening to prepare well.”

Although she was older now, Zhang Jing still liked to cling to her aunt as before. Hearing this, she remembered that Zhang Tian, who always obeyed her, would be coming again. Feeling proud as an older sister, she agreed and went to take Hu Bo’s hand. Unable to resist the little girl, Hu Bo smiled and stepped back first. Seeing Du Wan glance at the girls in the room, Qiu Hen realized she probably wanted to talk to Zhang Yue, so she quickly led everyone away.

When Zhang Yue returned just now, Du Wan noticed he was in a bad mood, but she still had to bring it up: “This afternoon, Second Uncle brought Sister Ke here. He and Auntie had a few words before arguing inside the room. When I came out to see what was going on, I happened to hear Sister Ke say that things would be quiet once she was gone. Afraid of trouble, Auntie discussed it with Second Uncle and took Sister Ke back to the Duke of Britain’s residence. From Sister Ke’s indifferent and resolute expression, I think she really might do it. I heard Princess Yongping also said to Second Uncle that whatever others owe her, she will get it back bit by bit!”
Having confirmed her suspicions in Fangling today and now hearing such news from Du Wan, Zhang Yue couldn’t help but slam his hand hard on the armrest in frustration. Yet that anger lasted only a moment before he suppressed it. He was never the type to blame others for everything. Since things had come to this, he had to find a way to solve it instead of sulking uselessly.
“Sister Wan, since you say Auntie also agrees to let Sister Tian keep company with Jing’er, please take the trouble these next few days to go to the Duke of Britain’s residence with Jing’er. After all, Auntie and Sister Ke are a generation apart, so some things might be hard to say. Doing something foolish at such a time would be disrespectful to her deceased mother, and more importantly, her death won’t solve anything.”
Zhang Yue wasn’t the kind to take on everything on his own, but he knew he had no choice now. First, there was Lu Feng’s reminder, then Zhang Qing’s warning, and now Princess Yongping was forcing Zhang Fu to fulfill the marriage agreement. Even if Zhang Ke died, this noblewoman would likely not give up easily, and more troubles would follow. He was no longer alone—he had parents, wife, children, and siblings. This time it was Zhang Ke, but in the future, it might affect his closest loved ones, and by then it would be too late to regret!
After years of marriage, Du Wan knew Zhang Yue’s temper well, even if not perfectly. Hearing what he said, she immediately understood his plans and grew worried. Seeing him turn to leave, she quickly stood up to stop him, but the words that were on her lips turned into something else instead.
“No matter what you decide to do, be careful!”

“I know.” Zhang Yue was momentarily stunned, then reached out to shake Du Wan’s hand and nodded. “Don’t worry. I’m extremely afraid of death and wouldn’t risk my peaceful life. Though I don’t aspire to high positions, only seeking wealth, comfort, and ease, my teacher has always taught me to act with a clear conscience—never to stand by knowing I can help. Besides, this matter concerns me directly. If it’s Zhang Ke today, who knows if it won’t be Jing’er or someone else from the family tomorrow? It’s getting late; you should rest early. I plan to sleep in the study these days. I’ll have Shui Jing and the others move my bedding out soon.”

During the period of mourning, men and women could share a bed but not engage in sexual activity. However, Zhang Yue wasn’t sure he could share a bed without any misunderstandings, so ever since Gu’s death, he had slept in a separate room. This was the first time he’d slept in the study. Du Wan escorted him to the door, watched as Zhang Yue directed a few maids to move his bedding, then hurriedly left the courtyard. She clenched her hands tightly. Soon, cries from the inner room came through—she had no choice but to set aside her worries and return inside.

The outer study was called Zixingzhai. The Lian Sheng and Lian Hu brothers, who had rushed over upon learning Zhang Yue would be resting in the study that day, were somewhat puzzled. But having followed him for over a decade, they knew even strenuous attempts to persuade him might not work, so they simply helped arrange his bedding and luggage. Zixingzhai consisted of three rooms in total, with an intricately carved bed made of yellow sandalwood in the innermost room. After arranging the quilts and bedding, the brothers divided up the task of staying up overnight. Before they could decide who would do it, Zhang Yue interrupted them.

“You all have families now, so there’s no need for you to stay up. Call Niu Gan and the others over later. After I finish giving instructions, just leave one person here to take care of things. Oh, and check if Hu Qi has returned. If he’s here, call him over first; we can call the others later.”

“How could those four clumsy guys take care of anyone… Young master, don’t scold us! We’ll go call them right away!”
Muttering under his breath, Lian Hu, not daring to disobey Zhang Yue, quickly pulled his brother away. Only after seeing the study door close did Zhang Yue sit down at his desk and casually open a copy of The Analects. He had only studied classics and history under Du Zhen for four years, but The Analects was the book he knew best, as it was Du Zhen’s favorite as well. Glancing down at the page he had opened, he happened to see a phrase he knew all too well:

Confucius said: “When you see someone virtuous, think of emulating him; when you see someone unvirtuous, reflect on yourself.”

He had quite a few wise people around him, and he could learn from them in some aspects, but to become an upright and honest sage seemed to require another life. As he looked at the word “sage” before him, his mind raced with ideas, and in the end he couldn’t help but firmly squeeze the green jade paperweight beside him.
“Young master.”
Hearing the knocking at the door and the familiar voice that followed, he closed the book in his hands and invited the person outside to come in. When that familiar figure swiftly entered and quickly locked the door, moving silently to the desk, he took a deep breath.
“Hu Qi, I have something to entrust to you.”
Under the candlelight, Zhang Yue dipped his hand in the tea in the cup and wrote a few words on the desk, then added a few more strokes before looking up at Hu Qi. Seeing Hu Qi pause briefly before nodding firmly, he smiled and wrote a few more words on the desk. After explaining everything clearly, he wiped away all traces on the desk with a soft cloth and then said calmly, “I hope to resolve this matter completely by the Emperor’s birthday. It feels like having thorns in my back—I’ve had enough!”