Chapter 687: All Burdened with Heavy Responsibilities

Since the master’s family moved to Beijing, only a few managers in charge of the manor and some servants remained in the Baoding Marquis’s residence in Nanjing. Although the residence had strict rules, with no one above to enforce them, chaos reigned below. Over the years, little money was spent on repairs, but the people involved spent a fortune out of their own pockets. Additionally, the produce from the manors in the Jiangnan region was mostly sold locally after sending some local goods to Beijing, resulting in substantial amounts of money coming in and going out. As a result, the managers who had initially hesitated about staying behind now none wanted to give up this lucrative position. When Zhang Yue came to borrow men, they were surprised but dared not offend him and immediately agreed with forced smiles.

At that moment, an old manager accompanied Zhang Yue to count the dozen or so men. Seeing that the master showed no expression, he forced a smile and said, “Third Young Master, it’s not that I’m being perfunctory. We really can’t spare anyone here. Although Jiangnan is a fertile land, the taxes are extremely high, and each manor needs someone to oversee it. Though they may seem unimpressive, most of them have fought alongside the lord in Liaodong. This one… this one, and him too, have fought against the Jurchens in Liaodong!”

Zhang Yue had already visited nobles in Nanjing such as Mu Xin and Xu Jinghuang, borrowing many strong servants from them, and had also requisitioned about twenty men from Duke Zhang Fu’s manors in Nanjing. Now, coming to the Meng family, he wasn’t concerned about the number of people—just for show. However, after interacting with these managers, he gradually grew dissatisfied. If the people left behind in Nanjing by the Meng family were all such cunning individuals, and even he had to be deceived when visiting in person, what about others?

The men who claimed to have fought against the Jurchens in Liaodong did seem tough, but one had his left arm cut off at the elbow, another was blind in one eye, and the remaining three appeared thin. They wore old, rough-cloth shirts and blue cloth shoes, clearly not valued in this household. He couldn’t help but wonder—if they truly had been wounded in battle, they should have been properly cared for to inspire others to serve bravely in the future. There was no reason to treat them like this.

Thus, after a brief pause, he turned coldly to stare at the old manager and asked, “Did they really fight alongside the lord in Liaodong?”

At his question, before the old steward could even reply, the one-armed man answered in a rough voice, “If this young master doesn’t believe us, he can surely ask the gentleman behind him to test our skills! Though there are still many burly servants in this mansion, they’re nothing but good-looking but useless! Even though we’re old or disabled and the masters don’t want us to work, at least we live with dignity, unlike those petty scoundrels who only care about money!”
The old steward’s face turned pale and blue in turn. Ignoring Zhang Yue standing nearby, he cursed, “You ungrateful wretches! Relying on the fact that you’ve served the master for years, you start spouting nonsense! Since you say so, I dare not have you protect the third young master either. I’ll have to find better ones…”
Just as Zhang Yue was about to speak, he heard Peng Shisan whisper something to him. Seeing the five men standing as straight as poles, and the stewards changing expressions under their imposing gazes, he ordered firmly, “It’s these five. No one else is needed!”
Ignoring the old steward’s expression, he examined the five veterans carefully before saying word by word, “I won’t talk to you about loyalty or gratitude. All I want is absolute obedience. Once the task is completed smoothly, I’ll ask Marquis Baoding to reward you. I, Zhang Yue, always keep my word. Whether you want to achieve fame for yourself or secure a good future for your descendants, as long as you give your all, you’ll get everything you deserve!”
Zhang Yue’s principle in dealing with people had always been to adapt to each individual. He protected his close ones, was honest with friends, was lenient yet strict with subordinates, and maintained varying degrees of closeness with colleagues. But with those he knew nothing about, he was especially cautious. However, the situation was different now. Since Peng Shisan said these five were indeed skilled, he set aside other concerns. As long as they were willing to serve, he would surely offer them generous rewards—although it’s true that a man will die for his friend, who would truly serve without proper rewards?
Sure enough, as soon as he finished speaking, he saw the one-armed man step forward first and kowtow. Seeing this, the other four also knelt in response. As for the others chosen by the old steward, most were stunned, while the rest looked relieved. Though the stewards were annoyed, they didn’t want to argue with Zhang Yue over such matters. After making a few perfunctory remarks, they let Zhang Yue take the men away.

Leaving the former Baoding Marquis’s residence, Zhang Yue whispered to Peng Shisan beside him, “How many people have we gathered so far?”
“A total of forty-seven. If we add those brought by the Crown Prince himself, it will be more than enough.” Peng Shisan took the reins handed to him by a servant, watched Zhang Yue mount the horse, and then said in a low voice, “Liu Guan set off this morning, taking one trouble off our shoulders. But since you’ve borrowed people from various places, word must have spread already. The journey ahead will likely be difficult.”
“The road will be smooth until we reach Shandong. As for the journey after that, I’ll have my own plans. Once they arrive at the Duke of Ying’s residence, arrange for them to leave first.” Zhang Yue took a deep breath and smiled at Peng Shisan. “Let’s go to Zheng’s residence on Ma Fu Street. After finishing this last task, we’ll rest and set off early tomorrow morning!”
It was already late at night when they returned home from Zheng He’s place. Although the windows were open, there wasn’t a hint of wind on this early summer night, with the chirping of insects faintly audible outside. After washing up, Zhang Yue didn’t go to bed right away. Instead, he put on a loose robe and stood by the window in thought. He didn’t think there would be any major upheavals in Nanjing. After all, even if Zhu Gaoxu had had some influence there before, it paled in comparison to Mu Xin and Zheng Wang Jinghong, who controlled the city’s defenses.
He had already instructed Sun Han to take leave these days to take good care of his family, and he had also told Du Wan and Qiu Hen Hupo to stay indoors as much as possible. He had also ordered the old servants in the household to do their duties wholeheartedly. Emperor Yongle, Zhu Di, recognized his abilities and was willing to use him, but often held back for certain unspoken reasons. Zhu Gaochi refused and couldn’t use him either. The Ming Dynasty was now very stable. If he wanted to make a difference and ensure that future generations wouldn’t suffer the tragic events of Tumu Fort, he had to keep Zhu Zhanji safe. After all, this crown prince had been kind to him from the start.
“We have to set off early tomorrow morning. Why aren’t you sleeping?”
Feeling a hand gently press on his left shoulder, Zhang Yue didn’t turn around. Instead, he lightly took that hand in his right hand and sighed softly. “I know I should sleep, but I can’t seem to. I’m thinking that if my father were truly seriously ill, I would surely put aside all these concerns and fly back at once. The tree wishes to be still, but the wind keeps blowing; the child wishes to support his parents, but they are no longer here. The Crown Prince must be feeling terrible as he travels north.”

“You’re right.” Du Wan didn’t pull her hand back. Unconsciously, she thought of her own father. “When I went with my mother to reunite with my father, I always thought I would hate him deeply. But within a few days, I felt an inexplicable sense of closeness toward him. That bond of kinship never broke; it was just hidden deep in my heart, unnoticed most of the time… Since you’ve already made all the arrangements, I don’t want to say anything else that might distract you. Take care on your journey.”
“Mm.”
The residence of the Prince of Zhou in the capital.
Early in the morning, a small sedan chair was carried out from the west gate. It was set down in front of Princess Zhai’s chair after leaving the gate. Zhu Ning, dressed in plain clothes, got into Princess Zhai’s chair, lowered the red silk curtain, and then leaned back, lost in thought. Ever since Zhu Zhanji left the capital, she had gone to the palace much less often. She didn’t socialize with other princesses or noblewomen either. Instead, she would ask Xiao Wu or Meng Min to keep her company and talk to pass the time, or she would read books and practice calligraphy. In just half a year, she had become as indifferent to outside affairs as an ordinary noblewoman. However, in recent days, she had heard some unfavorable rumors, which had left her uneasy.
“Princess, why would the Empress suddenly summon you to the palace?”
Hearing Mother Feng ask this, Zhu Ning replied indifferently with a smile, “I suppose the Empress is bored and wants to talk to me to pass the time. You don’t need to pay attention to those random rumors outside. They’re all misinformations. Just ignore them.”
“But those rumors seem quite credible. What if…”
“There’s no ‘what if’. Even if that day comes, the Crown Prince is the one everyone expects.” Zhu Ning interrupted Mother Feng irritably and simply closed her eyes. “Keep the servants under control. It’s especially important not to cause any trouble at times like these.”
Though she said that, once she entered the palace and met Empress Zhang and learned the full story, even Zhu Ning could no longer maintain her calm expression. Standing beside the dragon-bed inlaid with pearls, staring at the sovereign lying there with closed eyes and weak breathing, she felt her teeth tremble violently. Clutching the silk handkerchief, she was unable to speak.

Empress Zhang ordered Fan Hong to watch carefully from the side, then took Zhu Ning aside. Once outside, she said directly, “It is the emperor who ordered to see you. But since he can no longer speak, I have to convey his message. The imperial physicians say the emperor may not last two more days, so preparations must be made. These days, I have been handling all major state affairs and established temporary rules—cabinet proposals are drafted first, and I personally sign the emperor’s orders. No one within the palace is allowed to act without my permission. With all this on my plate, I have to put other matters aside. You were regarded as the emperor’s daughter even during the late emperor’s reign and once took care of him. Now, I can only ask you to help me manage the palace. Ah Ning, would you be willing to lend me a hand?”
After Concubine Zhang and Concubine Wang passed away one after another, there were no senior concubines to oversee the six palaces. At that time, Empress Zhang, who was still the crown princess, was in Nanjing, so Zhu Ning had no choice but to stay in the West Warm Pavilion of the Qianqing Palace to care for the ailing Zhu Di, while reluctantly managing the concubines there. But times had changed. Back then, Zhu Di treated her as his own daughter, but now her status was awkward. Most importantly, Empress Zhang was no ordinary woman, and the emperor’s illness was clearly related to his excessive indulgence.
“If it’s difficult for the Empress to handle state affairs, there’s still Princess Jiaxing in the palace…”
“Although Princess Jiaxing is the emperor’s and my eldest daughter, she is still young and lacks experience. Moreover, being one rank below those concubines, she won’t be able to maintain order,” Empress Zhang cut Zhu Ning off and added meaningfully, “I know that the Zhou Kingdom is currently troubled by conflicts between the crown prince and the Prince of Runan, causing great distress to the King of Zhou. That’s why he sent you to the capital. If you help me now, I will ensure peace returns to the Zhou Kingdom once the crown prince returns. Remember, the crown prince also holds you in high regard.”
Hearing this, Zhu Ning, who had initially insisted on declining, was shocked. She realized Empress Zhang already knew about all the small favors Zhu Zhanji had asked her to do. After pondering for a moment, she understood that refusing now would be disrespectful. She gritted her teeth and said, “Since the Empress insists, I agree.”

Seeing Zhu Ning agree, Empress Zhang nodded and then gave an order behind her. Immediately, two female officials in their forties stepped forward. She explained, “Eunuchs Lu and Li have served me for many years and know every detail about the concubines in the palace. You may assign them any tasks you have. Not only them, but I’ve also instructed Hou Xian from the Imperial Ceremonial Bureau and Liu Yongcheng from the Imperial Stables Bureau—any palace affairs shall be handled according to your instructions. Now that all six palaces are sealed off, if anyone tries to cause trouble, deal with them without concern for their status!”
Although Zhu Di had also entrusted her with palace affairs before, because he was always cold toward the concubines and maids, things remained peaceful at that time, and Zhu Ning hardly had to deal with anyone. But she knew this time would not be so easy. By taking on this troublesome task, the ZhouPrince’s mansion might enjoy peace, but the concubines in the palace would likely hate her deeply. After all, if the emperor truly fell ill and passed away, many concubines and maids might be forced to die with him.
She was not someone who was easily lenient. Now that she had made up her mind, facing the two eunuchs who came to pay their respects, she simply nodded slightly before quickly bending down to take the box from Empress Zhang’s hands. Though the lacquered sandalwood box was light, it contained documents of great importance and the Empress’s private seal.
Compared to the rarely used golden seal, the Empress’s treasure, these two items represented the Empress’s supreme authority in the harem.
“I’m relieved to entrust this to you,” said Empress Zhang, watching Zhu Ning bow while holding the box. She took a deep breath, then pulled her hand and patted it gently. “Go ahead and do it. I’m not one of those weak-willed women who listens to gossip. In addition to the concubines, also take care of those princesses who haven’t yet married—don’t let them cause trouble. Stay in the East Warm Pavilion of Kunning Palace for these few days; the people there are reliable.”
After leaving Qianqing Palace, Zhu Ning held tightly to the lacquered box in her arms and couldn’t help but look up at the cloudless sky. At this critical moment, when would Zhu Zhanji and Zhang Yue return?