Chapter 666: Just the Word “Wait”
The Yingtianfu Academy in Nanjing was located right in the middle of Gongyuan Street, with the Nanjing Directly Governed Region’s Gongyuan right next to it. The professors at Yingtianfu Academy held only ninth-rank positions; they had obtained these roles through recommendation but lacked formal academic titles, though they were quite proficient in knowledge and writing. That day, they led the educational officials and instructors to welcome Zhang Yue, the deputy magistrate of Yingtianfu, inside, showed him around, and presented him with the thick stacks of graded papers from the monthly exams.
Zhang Yue flipped through a few pages and saw that all the handwriting was in the regular and forceful Shen style. He couldn’t help but sigh. Most of the essays were thorough in their interpretation of classical texts but lacked substance, which left him unenthusiastic. Though he wanted to say something, seeing that the professors and instructors were all over fifty with graying hair, he thought better of it since he was new here. Instead, he simply nodded and said, “Jiangnan is a hub of literary talent. During the imperial examinations, countless people succeed. I hope you will continue to nurture more outstanding individuals.”
It was just a polite remark, but everyone below was pleased. In their view, since Yingtianfu Academy had once been under the emperor’s direct oversight, it was naturally the best in the Nanjing Directly Governed Region. An elderly instructor stroked his beard and said with a smile, “Sir Zhang, rest assured. The students here take small exams every month and a major exam once a year. Those who are not diligent are dismissed early. As the saying goes, ‘Hang one’s hair from the beam and pierce one’s thigh with an awl.’ As long as everyone studies hard, they will surely perform well in the next provincial examination!”
Upon hearing this, everyone agreed. Zhang Yue nodded as well, but his mind was on another matter. This was the golden age of official Confucian academies, and although there were some private academies scattered in Jiangnan, their influence paled in comparison. As the head of Yingtianfu Academy, he could bring the students from his own family’s academy here for comparison, but such a move would cause too much stir. So, he first sent Master Chen to visit those private academies in Jiangnan to exchange ideas. If there was a chance in the future for Confucian scholars from all over to interact more often, that would be a great thing.
Since Zhang Yue was young, the professors and instructors who had heard of his reputation had initially worried that he might be too assertive and domineering. But seeing that he listened more than he spoke and maintained a humble attitude, they were relieved. Thus, when Zhang Yue suggested that Li Guoxiu and Rui Yixiang attend as observers for a month, everyone agreed without hesitation.
As noon neared, Zhang Yue was earnestly persuaded by several elders to stay and have lunch. When leaving the Yingtianfu Academy, thinking there were no urgent matters at the yamen and still having some unresolved doubts, he simply took a few attendants to stroll around the streets.
Although the first few days of the first lunar month had passed, the Lantern Festival was approaching soon, so the streets were still filled with a festive atmosphere, with children setting off firecrackers from time to time. Seeing those children clapping, shouting, and laughing joyfully, Zhang Yue couldn’t help but think of his daughter left in the capital, feeling a strong longing for her. Since he had left the capital near the end of the twelfth lunar month, the round trip would be troublesome, and his father, Zhang Zhuo, had already instructed him not to bother sending holiday gifts back. Only a few days ago had he sent some gifts to Duke Zhang Fu of Yingguo, including items requested by Zhu Zhanji as well as plans regarding the troops.
“Younger brother Zhang!”
Hearing this voice, Zhang Yue stopped his horse and looked in the direction of the sound. Not far away, a burly man was holding a horse—it was none other than Commander Wei of the imperial guards, mentioned by Zhu Zhanji. He quickly rode over. Seeing the familiar greeting, he smiled and nodded, saying, “Brother Wei is back? I visited you a few days ago but heard you had gone out of the city to train troops, so I only sent holiday gifts to your wife.”
Wei Zhiqi was now the commander of the imperial guards in Nanjing. It seemed like a transfer, but his treatment was vastly different from when he was in Beijing. Although both positions were called “commander of the imperial guards,” back then he was the emperor’s trusted aide, receiving the best rewards and rations, with countless people flattering him. Now, his home was deserted, and during a major festival, he was sent out to train—his suffering was evident. Hearing Zhang Yue’s words, he quickly took the opportunity.
“I’ve heard from my family. It’s kind of you to still remember me at this time.” Pointing ahead, he added, “Since you missed your chance before, it’s still early. How about you come to my house over there?”
With nothing else to do, Zhang Yue had no objection. Once inside Wei’s small house and seated in the main hall, he said directly, “Brother Wei, don’t feel that your future is ruined just because you’re in Nanjing. I didn’t come here on my own initiative; it was the Crown Prince who asked me to check on you. Although Nanjing isn’t like the capital, please be at ease. With just the word ‘wait,’ the Crown Prince won’t forget you.”
Originally, Wei Zhiqi invited Zhang Yue just to gather information and vent his grievances, never expecting to hear such an unexpected remark. Thinking that the noble crown prince still remembered him, the sense of being neglected these days vanished instantly, replaced by an indescribable excitement.
“Brother Zhang, thank you for telling me such an important thing! Hey, although the Nanjing military has four commanders, I’m not someone to be underestimated. If you have any plans in the future, just come to me!”
Yangzhou is a key city in Lianghuai, naturally prosperous and wealthy. While Suzhou and Songjiang are famous for their taxes, Yangzhou is now renowned throughout Jiangnan for its salt. There are six salt transport agencies in the country, and Huai salt has always been the best among them. Most areas in Nanjing Directly Governed Region, Jiangxi, Huguang, and most of Henan use Huai salt. Even in the capital, where Changlu salt is used, many powerful officials from the north, accustomed to Huai salt, are willing to pay a high price for it. Thus, a genuine local from Yangzhou might not know where the prefect’s office is, but they certainly know where the Lianghuai Salt Transport Agency is.
The office of the Lianghuai Salt Transport Agency is located on Yunsisi Street, named after the agency itself. Unlike most government offices facing south, its main hall faces east, with a gable roof covered in tubular tiles. It is three bays wide, five purlins deep, and over twenty feet high. In front of the main gate stand a pair of stone lions, flanked by walls covered with various notices. With rumors spreading about changes in salt distribution, many merchants gather outside the office waiting for approvals, filling the air with chatter.
Compared to the noise at the main entrance, Huohua Alley behind the office is much quieter. After all, it’s where the family members live. Although there are many vendors selling needles, thread, and snacks, they dare not speak too loudly. Those who come and go are mostly servants like maids, wives, and old women, with occasional unassuming carriages. Those familiar with the situation know that the people getting out of these carriages are far more important than the merchants blocking the main entrance.
However, the number of carriages entering and leaving the main entrance gradually decreased. Though the vendors couldn’t possibly guess the new policies following the new emperor’s ascension, they keenly sensed that something was wrong in the mansion. So, when they had free time, they would gossip among themselves and occasionally ask the servants going out to buy things, so they could boast about it later. At that moment, a peddler selling colorful embroidered threads was eagerly selling to a middle-aged woman while subtly probing her, eventually growing impatient.
“Mom Li, just because I come here often, please reveal something! Everyone knows your family is extremely generous. If the master really has to be transferred elsewhere, I need to start thinking about moving too, right?”
But Mom Li just kept a stern face and after a long while said, “Even if that day comes, it’s still something we’re preparing for. What does it have to do with you, little monkey? Focus on your business and stop asking such pointless questions. Be careful or you’ll get into trouble!”
Just as she had chosen some silk threads and was counting the copper coins, she suddenly heard the sound of hurried horse hooves from the end of the alley. She looked over and saw a rider speeding towards them, leaping down skillfully at the back door. Frowning, she watched as the rider turned his head, and she managed to see his face. Startled, she grabbed a handful of coins from the peddler, not caring whether it was enough or not, stuffed the silk threads into her bag, and hurried over.
“Master Peng!”
Peng Shisan was about to find someone to take a message inside when he heard this voice. He turned around and took in her appearance before vaguely recognizing her as someone from Lady Luo, Wang Xunliang’s legal wife. He nodded immediately. “Please go inside and deliver the message for me. I have an urgent matter.”
“Madam has been talking nonstop since she returned from Xuzhou. Finally, there’s news. She’ll be overjoyed to see you.” Mom Li smiled warmly, bowed slightly, then gestured for her to come in, adding, “You’re not an outsider. There’s no need for any announcement. Since I happened to meet you, I’ll take you straight to Madam.”
As she spoke, she ordered a maid inside to take care of the horse and sent someone inside to give a notice. Then she led Peng Shisan inside, chatting nonstop about what was going on outside these days, her tone filled with concern. Hearing this, Peng Shisan thought of Zhang Fu’s instructions before leaving the capital and the situation in Nanjing, and couldn’t help shaking his head.
His own master held such a high position, yet had become the most obvious target, making it difficult even to act.
Since Wang Xunliang had served as the Transport Commissioner for ten years, the back courtyard of the Salt Transport Commission had almost become his home. After several renovations, it took on the typical appearance of a Jiangnan official residence. Although court regulations prohibited the construction of small bridges and flowing water, it still had gardens, corridors, and other amenities. Peng Shisan had been there once or twice before, but that was years ago. Now, walking through it, he faintly felt as if a few more buildings had been added. When they entered through a moon gate, a middle-aged man with a sharp appearance came forward to greet them.
“Butler Lin?”
“Mother Li, could you please show the way? The master heard that Master Peng has arrived and specifically asked me to wait here, saying to take him straight to the study to talk. Please convey a message to the lady, asking her to stay calm.” Since things were ordered this way, Mother Li couldn’t say much more. She greeted Peng Shisan, bowed again, and then left in a hurry. Peng Shisan didn’t really care whom he met; it was just that butler Lin and Mother Li were completely different in temperament. Lin led the way in silence all the way, and when they reached the study door, he gently pushed it open and stood aside.
Although Yangzhou was wealthy, it placed great emphasis on elegance. Thus, despite Wang Xunliang not being a highly learned literary genius, his study was extremely exquisite. On the wall facing the main entrance hung an ancient painting titled “Dongpo Reminiscing the Red Cliffs,” framed in purple bamboo and white silk. On a high shelf in the corner stood a painted beauty vase from the Jun kiln, flanked by four marble screens carved with auspicious patterns of birds and beasts. Peng Shisan, who had always been impatient with such things, glanced at them briefly before walking past and saw Wang Xunliang already standing there.
Wang Xunliang was nearly fifty. Having spent ten years in this prosperous region of Huai, with no hope of promotion and no worries about daily life, he had become plump, with round cheeks. His eyes seemed to be smiling all the time, giving him no sense of authority. As he was the cousin of Lady Wang, their relationship wasn’t particularly close, but since they were still relatives, Peng Shisan stepped forward and paid his respects, addressing him as “uncle.”
As soon as he bent down, Wang Xunliang hurriedly stepped forward to support him. Although he was usually good at speaking and handling situations, he couldn’t afford such formalities at this moment. After inviting Peng Shisan to sit, he gritted his teeth and asked directly, “Old Peng, when my wife met Lady Du, she heard that Lord Zhang was ill. I wonder if he’s better now? To be honest, I know my son is a scoundrel, but he’s my only son. The Duke of Ying can’t help in such a dire situation, so I can only rely on him.”
“Reporting back to uncle, the young master said he will do his best to take care of this matter. Please rest assured,” Peng Shisan said, pulling a piece of paper from his boot and handing it over. “Please take a look at this.”
Despite the assurance, Wang Xunliang couldn’t truly feel at ease and remained anxious. He took the paper and glanced at it quickly, his face turning pale instantly. His heart started pounding wildly. Clutching the armrest tightly, he took several deep breaths before calming down, though he still couldn’t suppress his anger.
“That’s too much!”
After cursing, he realized it would be difficult for him alone to turn things around. Thinking further that Zhang Yue could manage to obtain such things with such remarkable abilities, he felt a sense of awe. With his only son now in prison and rumors of changes in salt policy in the court, he was at his wits’ end and had no choice but to set aside his concerns. After all, nothing was more important than his son.
His rank was only one level higher than Zhang Yue’s, and since he had a request to make, he couldn’t afford to act arrogantly by calling Zhang Yue “nephew.” Instead, he asked vaguely, “Since Lord Zhang sent you to deliver this, is there anything else he said?”
“This was a foolish act done on their own by the Nanjing Jinyiwei. Now that the young master has learned of it, changes will soon occur among the Jinyiwei here, so Liu Jun is not worth fearing. The young master will surely find a way to deal with his uncle’s son. So, taking advantage of the New Year, your uncle might as well send someone to Nanjing. They should act humble for now, soften their attitude, and make Liu Jun overconfident. The young master said just wait—your uncle needn’t worry, as things will turn around soon.”