Chapter 64: A Dousing of Cold Water on Enthusiasm

Zhang Yue had originally planned to visit his teacher Du Zhen on this trip, never expecting such an opportunity—to find both the Shen brothers and Yang Shiqi showing him considerable kindness. Though much of this kindness was out of respect for Du Zhen, he was already satisfied with the initial results of his encounter.

After all, there is no such thing as unearned appreciation or patronage in this world. Even if he were the nephew of the Duke of Ying, or even Zhang Fu’s own son, since military and civil affairs are separate, there would be no reason for others to pay him attention. Moreover, during peaceful times, the status of military officials would eventually decline. He couldn’t rely forever under that seemingly lush tree, as too many others sought shelter beneath it.

He stayed at Du’s residence all day, even having lunch with the four teachers in the garden hall. After lunch, Yang Shiqi and the Shen brothers, Shen Du and Shen Can, left one after another. Du Zhen then pulled him into the study to assess his studies. Finally, seizing a moment of leisure, he asked Du Zhen about the reasons behind his promotion, only to be slightly surprised by the answer.

“I never expected that after staying low-key for so long, I would gain favor because of a poem. But no matter how skilled the scholars of the Ming Dynasty are at composing poetry, how can they compare to those of the prosperous Tang and Song dynasties? The current emperor recruits people without sticking to convention. I, having just entered the court, am not like those who have been in officialdom for years. Even the Shen brothers and Yang Shiqi aren’t solely focused on seizing power. Perhaps it’s my impartial and calm demeanor that suits the emperor’s taste.”

“Then, by coming to visit you rashly today, haven’t I caused you trouble?”

Seeing Zhang Yue’s worried expression, Du Zhen gestured for him to come closer and sit in front of him. Then, with a stern face, he scolded, “Do you think the emperor doesn’t investigate someone’s background before hiring them? Not only during the four years I taught you in Kaifeng, but even the Jinyiwei must have thoroughly investigated my past. You should now know what mistake you made today.”

Zhang Yue immediately understood what Du Zhen meant and nodded honestly, “When I came to visit today, I should have clearly stated at the door that I am your disciple and let them bring me in. I shouldn’t have been vague, claiming to be an old acquaintance.”

“The young man is teachable.” It was then that Du Zhen showed a satisfied expression. “Schemes and intrigues are petty paths; integrity is the true way. You came here to visit your teacher openly and honestly—why hide your intentions? It’s getting late; you should go back. Once there, you’ll know how to explain things to others.”
How to explain it… Of course, tell the truth!
It wasn’t until the sun set that Zhang Yue returned to the Duke’s residence with Lian Sheng and Lian Hu. He had gained a lot that day, so in his high spirits, he didn’t notice that Lian Sheng and Lian Hu kept their heads down all the way, as if struck by great distress. Once inside, he casually told them to rest before heading excitedly to Fangheng Courtyard. As soon as he left, Lian Sheng and Lian Hu exchanged glances and began blaming each other.
“Elder brother, the young master has already left. Why didn’t you say anything just now?”
“What could I say? Could I possibly tell the young master that someone in the Du family disapproves of him?”
“But we can’t keep it a secret! Have you forgotten what we overheard privately? What if it really happens…”
“Don’t jinx it! Anyway, we still don’t know what’s going on. You don’t know the young master’s temper. If we speak up and he blames us for spreading nonsense, we’ll be in trouble! I warn you—keep your mouth shut!”
On the way, Zhang Yue suddenly felt the snow falling heavier and quickened his pace. He had left home to pay a visit, leaving Zhang Chao and Zhang Jiu at home. He was afraid of anything but those two getting into another fight. Yet when he entered Fangheng Courtyard, he was surprised to find it completely quiet, with not a single person in the courtyard.
Puzzled, he went straight to his room. As soon as he entered, he saw Amber searching through a chest, while Qiu Hen was nowhere to be seen. Before he could say anything, Amber suddenly turned around, looking both surprised and delighted at seeing him.
“Young master, you’re back! The fourth young master somehow managed to slip out today. He was just brought back, but it turned out he went back to his ancestral home disguised as a servant with a personal attendant without informing anyone. It seems some trouble arose. The lady was furious and scolded the fourth young master harshly. She also punished Fanghe Grass Fragrance and that attendant. Everyone is in the east wing now. I and Sister Qiu Hen just delivered the medicine, but it seems everything there is incomplete, so we came back for white silk!”

At that moment, Amber suddenly bit her lower lip gently and after a long while, she mumbled, “Could the young master persuade the fourth young master? We’re living in the British duke’s residence; we can’t always act according to our own whims. I saw the lady’s face turn blue with anger, and she wasn’t gentle at all when punishing Fangcao and Ya Xiang—twenty lashes left their skin torn open. Those two maids…”

Zhang Yue’s enthusiasm was instantly damped by this sudden bad news, leaving him unsure of how to feel. Before Amber could finish speaking, he rushed out and in just a few steps reached the east wing. As soon as he entered, he saw Zhang Chao sitting upright in the center, his face ashen, with Zhang Jiu sitting silently and expressionlessly on a chair beside him. The two maids stood aside with their hands hanging down; the moment they saw him, they jumped up to bow like frightened rabbits. But at that moment, he couldn’t see anyone else—he just wanted to rush forward and grab someone by the collar to give them a thorough scolding.

With Uncle Zhang Xin in trouble, both the Xiangfu Zhang family and the Nanjing Zhang family were already in chaos. Why couldn’t this kid understand?!

Seeing Zhang Yue enter, Zhang Chao stood up abruptly and said in a rough voice, “Third brother, my aunt asked me to discipline the fourth young master, but as the eldest brother, I don’t have much power. For every word I say, he can retort with three or four, and he always seems to have a point! I’m an idiot who can’t come up with any sensible arguments, but even if I am stupid, I won’t just stand by and watch my own maids and servants get beaten, leaving them half-dead on the bed just before the New Year!”

After saying that, Zhang Chao stormed out angrily, slamming the door behind him. Luoying and Shui Jing, seeing their master leave, didn’t dare stay longer. They bowed to Zhang Yue and silently followed him out. It was then that Zhang Yue finally took a deep breath. Ignoring Zhang Jiu’s pale and flushed face, he went straight out and entered a side room.

Fifteen minutes later, when he left that room filled with a strong medicinal smell and re-entered this one, his gaze at Zhang Jiu was filled with indescribable anger. Although he didn’t hold any belief in equality for all, seeing those two innocent, beautiful maids beaten half to death, he couldn’t remain heartless, nor could he suppress the fury burning in his heart.