Chapter 680: Gifts and Blows
Since the capital was moved, most of the residents and craftsmen in Nanjing were transferred to Beijing, reducing the city’s population by half. Naturally, the popularity of temples and Taoist shrines there paled in comparison to their former glory. Even Taotian Palace, a top-tier Taoist shrine favored by high-ranking officials, was much quieter than before. It was only when Crown Prince Zhu Zhanji led various civil and military officials to conduct sacrifices here that the place regained its liveliness.
Behind the Tongming Hall of Taotian Palace, there were hundreds of rooms arranged in separate complexes, meant for princes and nobles who came to offer incense. Now, Zhu Zhanji occupied Feixia Pavilion alone, with his guards scattered around. Entry was strictly prohibited to unauthorized persons, even Taoist priests and servants in the palace. As Zhang Yue followed Cao Jixiang inside, he noticed that the soldiers all appeared on high alert, which made him wonder what was going on.
Feixia Pavilion had a hip-and-gable roof with colored tile ornaments along the ridge, and its beams and brackets were adorned with silver decorations, giving it a magnificent and imposing appearance. There were three rooms on each side, and the main building was a two-story structure with five spacious rooms on the ground floor. Ascending the stairs, Zhang Yue looked outside and saw a lush bamboo forest in the backyard, offering a pleasant contrast to the solemn atmosphere ahead. At that moment, Cao Jixiang, who was leading the way, glanced back and stopped.
“Apart from the Great Tongming Hall, the Wan sui Treasure Hall, and the Sanqing Main Hall, Feixia Pavilion is the highest in elevation. When the founding emperor ordered the reconstruction of Taotian Palace, he once visited here. During his reign as regent, he also often stayed here for rituals. Even the crown prince used to come here frequently as a child. Sir Zhang, the crown prince is in the room ahead. Please follow me.”
Zhang Yue nodded. When they reached the door at the east end, an eunuch waiting there opened the bamboo curtain and bowed, inviting him in. As soon as he stepped over the threshold, a cool breeze hit him, relieving the heat from walking in the sun. The room had ventilation on both sides, with all the wooden windows fully open. Additionally, a young eunuch was operating a fan-like device, keeping the room extremely cool.
Seeing Zhu Zhanji standing behind the desk, writing and drawing, Zhang Yue raised his head and gave him a slight nod before focusing on his writing again. Zhang Yue remained silent but glanced around at the furnishings in the room. At that moment, he recognized many rare treasures—calligraphy by Mi Fu and Huang Tingjian, paintings by the Emperor Daogun, rouge-red porcelain vases from the Jun kiln, and a boxwood screen decorated with the pattern of the Eight Immortals crossing the sea. When he turned his gaze back, he saw Zhu Zhanji looking at him, so he stepped forward and performed the proper salute.
“No need for that; there are no outsiders here,” Zhu Zhanji said with a smile as he took the towel handed to him by Chen Wu, wiped his hands, and glanced at the surrounding items. “Are you looking at these miscellaneous things? The heavy pieces were sent here by the Nanjing Imperial Workshop, claiming they add elegance and pleasure to the place, so I’ve used them. As for the calligraphy and paintings, I found them in the palace’s treasury earlier. These fine items would have deteriorated left in the storage, so it’s better to hang them up for others to admire. If you like one, feel free to choose one and take it back.”
While he could joke about other things, Zhang Yue didn’t dare take this joke seriously—Zhu Zhanji was well-known for his love of calligraphy and paintings. These items, specially taken out of the treasury and hung here, were surely his favorites. How could he steal someone’s beloved possessions? Without hesitation, he shook his head and said, “Your Highness knows my temperament. On the walls of my home, there are only the calligraphy works of my mentors, friends, and elders. There isn’t a single famous painting. Suddenly having so many would seem out of place. Besides, a gentleman doesn’t take what others cherish. Such treasures, if kept in my home, might also attract envy.”
“What treasures? They’re treasures only when appreciated by someone. If scattered among the common people, they might end up as mere dust. Well, since you don’t want them, don’t blame me for being reluctant to part with them.”
Zhu Zhanji shook his head irritably, waved his hand to send the eunuch fanning him away, leaving only Chen Wu. Seeing that the two people guarding the door were his confidants, he immediately grew serious. “Liu Guan is greedy, cunning, and deceitful. I thought he would surely be dismissed not long after our father ascended the throne, but somehow he managed to trick our father into keeping him! Do you know that even Huang Fu, the renowned minister who returned from Jiaozhi and became the tutor to the crown prince, was slandered by him!”
The crown prince was not like the heir apparent; he had witnessed firsthand how fearful his father was in that position. Even though Zhu Zhanji’s status as heir had been established since the Yongle era, with no brothers capable of challenging him, he still had to be cautious and refrain from saying certain things. TheGrand Tutor had always been the most important figure by the crown prince’s side, and he was truly resentful that Huang Fu, despite his great merits and age, had been exploited in this way. Thus, once he started speaking, he couldn’t stop himself for a while.
“When I left the capital to bid farewell to the Empress Dowager, she told me to stay calm once I arrived in Nanjing. At that time, I was still confused, but now I see things clearly. Everyone says the Emperor wants to move the capital back to Nanjing, but it seems more likely that he wants me to stay there as the ruler, with the civil and military officials accompanying me serving as assistants. It would be fine if it were just them, but with Liu Guan sticking around like a thorn in my side, it’s extremely uncomfortable!”
Back then, Zhu Zhanji had bluntly stated that people like the King of Han and the King of Zhao must be punished—after all, they were his own uncles. So now, he would certainly not be lenient with someone like Liu Guan. Seeing his agitation, Zhang Yue knew well that this heir apparent, who had been treated as a prince from birth, was indeed angry. After pondering for a moment, he recounted what had happened to him on Taiping Tower, then sighed.
“I usually consider myself someone who can stay calm, but after being provoked by Lord Liu, I immediately retorted. Leaving the rest aside, the Censorate used to supervise officials and was highly praised by the people, but now its reputation is worsening. I’ve advised those scholars from Suzhou Prefecture to send people back to their hometowns to persuade them not to submit a petition in defense of Prefect Luo.”
Since this news hadn’t spread yet, as Zhang Yue spoke, Zhu Zhanji asked detailed questions. Upon hearing the last part, he frowned deeply and then sneered, “If the top is crooked, the bottom will be too. If these censors themselves are corrupt, how can they supervise others? You handled this well. If that petition really is submitted, even if Prefect Luo can still hold office in the future, things may not go as smoothly. But there’s still potential use in this situation… It’s strange that Liu Guan arrested the wrong person. Since Tang Qian has already been taken to the Ministry of Punishments, who did he catch on Taiping Tower? If it wasn’t a coincidence that he encountered you, could it be intentional?”
Seeing Zhu Zhanji’s voice gradually fade to a barely audible murmur, Chen Wu lowered his head. The crown prince was originally extremely perceptive; he couldn’t help but connect this matter to various aspects. But what exactly did Liu Guan, the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, intend to do? There were many people surnamed Yuan in the world, and quite a number of officials with that surname in Nanjing alone. Yet he went to such lengths, clearly aiming to involve that retired commander of the Jinyiwei. There had already been rumors of close ties between Yuan Fang and the Zhang family, reportedly uncovered by a certain censor. Could it be that Liu Guan still wanted to prove this to this day?
If that were the case, it would be utterly absurd! The late emperor was such a wise man—he chose Yuan Fang precisely because he was an orphan with no support. How could he fail to investigate his background thoroughly?
“I’ll have someone look into this,” Zhu Zhanji finally stood up in the room and turned around, speaking decisively. “When Zhao Jin sent someone to report to me at first, I found it strange. It turns out there are so many complications involved. Chen Wu, the Dragon Boat Festival is approaching. Since we’re in Nanjing now, I’ll handle the distribution. All civil and military officials will receive colored silk threads, while Liu Guan will receive a jar of spring water and a bronze mirror. Chen Wu, go tell him that since the Censorate oversees all officials, as its head, he shouldn’t forget to remain honest and self-disciplined, reflecting on himself in the mirror!”
A jar of spring water and a bronze mirror? Zhang Yue was stunned. It wasn’t until Zhu Zhanji glanced at him that he came to his senses and said sincerely, “Your Highness is truly wise.”
“What wisdom? It’s just an opportunity to vent my anger! Back then, my father was reprimanded by my grandfather for admonishing this guy. This time, I want to see what would happen if I were to admonish him!”
Hearing Zhu Zhanji’s teasing tone, Zhang Yue couldn’t help but smile. Nowadays, civil and military officials gathered in the Imperial Palace to learn rituals, seeing each other constantly. Most of these gifts would likely be distributed there as well. Once the news spread, Liu Guan would probably be depressed for quite some time. Thinking of this, he couldn’t help but remind Zhu Zhanji a couple more times.
“The Liu Jun case involves many high-ranking officials, so it needs to be dealt with promptly rather than delayed. If it’s postponed any longer, it will cause panic among the people and have serious consequences. Although most of the nobles here are idle and hold no official positions, over the years their relatives have spread throughout the military. If anything really happens, it will be counterproductive. Moreover, with turmoil everywhere these days, when I left the Yingtianfu government office today, a trusted informant told me that a maid died in Marquis Mu’s household for some reason, and now they’re even reporting it to the government office—another complicated situation.”
“It seems things really can’t stay calm!”
Zhu Zhanji originally summoned Zhang Yue to ask about the outside situation and relieve some stress, but now that he’d heard so much chaotic news, he felt extremely troubled. Realizing how isolated he was and that he would be like a blind or deaf person if no one informed him, he grew even angrier. Without thinking, he ordered Zhang Yue, “After the tomb ceremony, if I really decide to stay in Nanjing, have Jixiang act as the liaison. Keep me informed of any news—I don’t want to be deceived.”
Leaving Feixia Pavilion, Zhang Yue couldn’t help but sigh inwardly at Zhu Zhanji’s seriousness. Having been groomed as an emperor since childhood, his desire for control was naturally immense. No wonder Zhu Yuanzhang established the Jinyiwei to supervise his subordinates—ultimately, it was to take back control over judicial matters. Emperor Yongle, Zhu Di, went even further; during his reign, all cases involving ministers in prison were handled by the Jinyiwei, leaving the Dali Temple and the Ministry of Punishments aside.
Although Chaotian Palace had two or three hundred rooms and covered a large area, most officials lived in courtyards near Xiyi Pavilion, often sharing one room with two or three people, sometimes even four. Their meals were provided, and since it was a time of fasting, the food consisted only of rice and porridge with radishes—no oil at all. Looking at the vegetarian meal in front of him, Zhang Yue had no appetite at all. Seeing Zhang Xu also struggling with the food with a grim expression, he smiled and stood up to fetch a tray from his luggage.
“These are all vegetarian snacks. Lord Zhang, why not eat these to stave off hunger?”
Zhang Yue had just returned from Zhu Zhanji, and Zhang Xu hadn’t asked many questions. Now, seeing him offer the tray with octagonal lacquered grape-shaped snacks, filled with various small treats, Zhang Xu said cheerfully, “It really shows how thoughtful my sister-in-law is—she’s prepared everything thoroughly. Unlike my wife at home, who only prepares some hard, inedible food.”
The two of them each ate a few snacks with their thin porridge, then chatted casually. They mentioned that starting the next day, there would be three full days of rituals and fasting, and both showed displeasure. For those who were skilled at handling official duties, such repetitive prostrations and bowings were truly the most arduous task in the world, though none of them dared to say so outright. As they talked, Zhang Yue thought further about how, since Zhu Gaochi ascended the throne, Zhang Fu had been assigned only tasks related to offering sacrifices to heaven and earth, which led him to have a strange idea.
This was typical of Zhang Fu. If it were those older officials, they might find it hard to persevere. But for him, if he disliked someone, he didn’t need to use other methods—just send that person to offer sacrifices to heaven, earth, ancestral temples, the state gods, Confucius, and tombs. After such an ordeal, even the strongest physique and spirit would likely force that person to retire home.
Many nobles who came to pay respects at the tombs brought servants with them, but none of the civil officials dared to be so ostentatious, not even Zhang Yue. After chatting with Zhang Xu for a while, he prepared to go to bed to rest and regain his strength for the tough days ahead. Yet as soon as his head touched the pillow, he heard loud noises outside. Soon after, someone knocked on the door.
Zhang Xu, who had also just gone to bed, hurriedly went to open the door and sternly asked a few questions before the person outside could speak. As a third-rank official in Ying Tian Fu, he had held a high position for many years, and when angry, his presence was truly formidable. His scolding made the two soldiers tremble in fear before he calmly asked what had happened.
“It’s not that I intended to disturb you, sir. It’s that just now… we discovered assassins!”
The taller soldier, seeing Zhang Yue coming out in his robe, quickly bowed and added, “Lord Liu was attacked on his way back to his room this evening… with a blunt object. Now the Crown Prince has ordered the imperial physician to come, and he’s also asked us to capture the culprits.”
Upon hearing the word “blunt object,” Zhang Yue’s expression became extremely strange. Since it was Zhu Zhanji who gave the order, he went ahead and discussed it briefly with Zhang Xu before allowing the two men in. After a quick search and their departure, he heard Zhang Xu sigh and say, “The Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate being attacked with a blunt object—this has turned the imperial palace into a marketplace. Whoever did this has truly disgraced Liu Guan.”