Chapter 764: Urgent Matter

Over the years, when he had free time to read historical records, Zhang Yue would often compare the Song and Ming dynasties. Whenever he thought of the prosperity of Bianliang depicted in The Along the River During the Qingming Festival or the brilliant night lights described in The Dream of the Eastern Capital, he would feel resistance toward the current curfew. Yet, the night ban was explicitly stipulated in the laws of the Ming Dynasty, and even as the governor of Guangdong, he could not abolish it. Thus, in the pitch-dark night, he could only rely on the two lanterns ahead to guide his way, making progress slowly. He couldn’t help but sigh.

Along the way, he encountered three groups of soldiers on night patrol. Upon learning that he was on official business for the governor’s office, they still carefully checked his identification before letting him pass. As this was the result of reforms carried out by the military command before the New Year, although Zhang Yue was anxious, he did not reveal his identity to pressure them. By the time he arrived at the Maritime Administration building, it was already midnight. Watching Zhang Bu knock loudly on the door, he began to ponder inwardly.

After a long while, the two doors finally creaked open slightly. A servant inside poked his head out and shone a lamp, startling upon seeing Zhang Bu. Upon hearing it was Zhang Yue, he hurriedly opened the door and invited everyone in, then sent someone inside to give the news. Soon after, Zhang Yong, Zhang Qian’s adopted son, rushed out along with Cao Jixiang.

After exchanging greetings, Zhang Yong couldn’t help but ask, “Sir Zhang, is there some urgent matter? Father has been restless all night last, and this morning he called a doctor. The doctor diagnosed it as wind-heat and prescribed medicine, which he took. He went to bed early tonight. If it weren’t so urgent, I could send someone to handle it…”

Before he could finish speaking, Cao Jixiang interjected, “Young Master Yong, what kind of relationship does Sir Zhang have with your grandfather? If it weren’t urgent, he wouldn’t have rushed here in the middle of the night. Before I left, your grandfather said Sir Zhang is not an outsider and should be brought directly to the bedroom to talk without delay. It’s already late, and you still need to study and meet people tomorrow. You’d better go rest first; I’m here to take care of everything.”

Zhang Yue already knew Zhang Yong was dull-witted. With only the faint light from the lanterns, he couldn’t see his expression clearly, so he had to explain a bit. Only after the reluctant Zhang Yong agreed did he follow Cao Jixiang inside. They entered the innermost Fushou Courtyard. As soon as he stepped over the threshold of the main room, he smelled a persistent medicinal odor and glanced at Cao Jixiang behind him.

“Sir Zhang, rest assured. The doctor said it’s nothing serious. Your grandfather has always been in good health and goes for walks and practices swordsmanship every day.”

Relieved to hear there was no serious issue, Zhang Yue finally calmed down and stepped through the high bamboo curtain into the inner room. Seeing Zhang Qian already sitting up with the assistance of a personal eunuch, about to get out of bed, he hurried over and said, “Since you’re sick, it’s the same to talk while sitting. Why go through all these formalities with me?”
Zhang Qian sat back down and signaled the eunuch to leave. Glancing through the bamboo curtain, he saw Cao Jixiang waiting outside and then asked, “What happened this time?”
“It’s not Guangdong—it’s Jiaozhi!” Zhang Yue concisely repeated what the messenger had said. Noticing Zhang Qian’s growing concern, he added, “Although it’s true that one shouldn’t interfere in matters beyond one’s responsibility, my second uncle is currently the commander there. With him seriously injured and in critical condition, my father will set off for there tomorrow. I’m worried—this is out of personal concern. Moreover, I was the one who originally planned for Jiaozhi’s strategy. Now that the commander is injured and the Minister in charge of administration, Lord Huang, is also seriously ill, if the military leader isn’t careful, the stability there could change overnight! I wrote a memorial overnight at home, but since this isn’t about military affairs in Guangdong, it’s difficult to send it via urgent dispatch. Could Eunuch Zhang ask the Jinyiwei to submit it on my behalf?”
Although the Yongle era saw three northern expeditions and one northern tour that shook the world, the small region of Jiaozhi had once required Duke Zhang Fu to lead large armies on three expeditions, consuming countless resources. Naturally, Zhang Qian wouldn’t ignore such a place. After skimming the memorial from Zhang Yue, he closed it casually, pondered for a while, and then sighed in relief.
“You’re worried that something might happen there, leading the court to abandon Jiaozhi?”
“That’s exactly it!”
If the Ming Dynasty wanted to remain an isolated central power without interacting with the outside world, then having or not having a small place like Jiaozhi would indeed be unimportant. However, from a long-term perspective of national development, having maritime power and controlling Jiaozhi on land would help bring the entire Southeast Asia under its influence. Thus, before Zhang Qian could speak, he patiently said, “Based on my understanding of the ministers in the court, if real chaos breaks out in Jiaozhi, many people will likely take the opportunity to suggest abandoning it. Even if the emperor refuses, he’ll probably still hesitate about choosing a new commander. My second uncle has been stationed there for years… I don’t want to see my father get involved, nor do I want to see the land that my great-uncle fought so hard to conquer end up being abandoned.”

“Alright, I’ll deliver it for you!” Zhang Qian’s hesitation wasn’t about whether to help or not, but something else. So though he agreed, he still reminded him, “However, the Marquis of Anyuan is currently guarding Guangxi. Considering distance, it’s most natural for him to represent your second uncle. Next would be Chen Zhi, the Deputy Commander. As for choosing personnel, civil officials fear military officers holding too much power—otherwise, the Duke of Yingguo wouldn’t have resigned from his position as Commander of the Central Army. Moreover, there’s no need to use a sledgehammer to kill a chicken. Even if the Duke of Yingguo is in his prime, the emperor might not allow him to lead troops to Jiaozhi. As for the alternative you mentioned, it may not even be approved…”

“Exactly because of this, I really have to bring it up,” Zhang Yue said, then recalling the private letter he had asked his father to send to the Duke of Yingguo’s residence in Beijing through his own channels. He spoke seriously, “People revere the name of the Duke of Yingguo. Your second uncle has been able to guard the region for years with remarkable achievements, partly thanks to the Zhang name. Sometimes, using a sledgehammer is far more effective than a kitchen knife—more precise and forceful. After Chen Jikuo and Li Li were executed, Jiaozhi has become much more stable. Those who appear now may not be the last group, but they’re likely the most capable. By eliminating these people and having Minister Chen Qia assist, Jiaozhi can remain stable for at least twenty years. As for the other matter… I’m just worried, not trying to take risks myself.”

Since Zhang Yue was determined, Zhang Qian stopped trying to persuade him. He immediately called Cao Jixiang in, sealed the memorial in front of Zhang Yue, and handed it to him. “Go to the Guangdong branch of the Jinyiwei right now and have them use urgent courier service to send this memorial to the capital. Once it arrives, have them deliver it directly to Lord Lu, the head of the Eastern Depot, to present it to the emperor. Remember, tell them it’s extremely urgent and ask Lord Lu to choose the right time to submit it!”

Cao Jixiang, who had been standing outside, had heard most of the conversation, even if not every word, so he understood the urgency. After agreeing repeatedly, he quickly put the document in his pocket and rushed out of the room. As soon as he left, Zhang Qian said to Zhang Yue, “Since your father insists on going to Jiaozhi this time, you need to prepare some reliable people to accompany him. This isn’t an official mission, so I can’t assign people from the Jinyiwei. I can only lend you two guards who are skilled and clever. Isn’t Peng Shisan by your side one of the Duke of Yingguo’s personal soldiers from his campaign to Jiaozhi? Ask him to go with them—he’s worth ten men there!”

“He volunteered before I even arrived… I agreed, but I feel guilty toward him, as he’s just had a son.”

Seeing Zhang Yue’s gloomy expression, Zhang Qian sighed and said, “I know he’s been your mentor for most of your life. He’s followed you everywhere these years, contributing greatly and earning many merits… He belongs to the Duke of Ying. The reason he’s willing to follow you is because you’ve treated him with sincerity, so naturally he treats you with sincerity too. Stop sighing—hurry back and get ready. No one in your family will be able to sleep well tonight!”
As Zhang Qian predicted, that night, the Zhang family’s official residence was brightly lit, with almost everyone staying awake all night. Although Lady Sun secretly wiped away her tears and complained for a while, she still personally prepared her husband’s luggage. Zhang Zhuo sent trusted family members out overnight to gather more people and was busy meeting with various people to arrange various matters. Du Wan, along with Mother Cui and the maids, prepared medicine and other supplies. Peng Shisan was busy taking care of the horses and weapons, and so on… In short, even a young child like Zhang Fujing could hardly get a good night’s sleep and arrived at the main house before dawn.
Zhang Zhuo had already put on sturdy clothes—fortunately, he was always casual in his dressing, and his clothes weren’t overly flashy in bright colors; otherwise, his luggage would have been a major hassle on this trip to Jiaozhi. After comforting his wife and encouraging his son and grandson, whose eyes were red from crying, he finally kept Zhang Yue behind to have breakfast together. The father and son discussed things inside for half an hour before coming out.
Since they didn’t know how long it would take before they could reunite this time, Zhang Yue had no choice but to personally see his father to the back door of the official residence. By then, the two guards sent by Zhang Qian had already joined the Zhang family’s entourage. The messenger who came out with them saw Zhang Zhuo mount his horse right away, so he turned back, kowtowed three times to Zhang Yue, before following them. Though his heart was agitated, Zhang Yue said nothing as he watched the group mount their horses and speed away through the alley.
Although his second uncle Zhang You had his faults, he was still his biological uncle. The first time he returned from Jiaozhi, he sent over a large box of gifts. Later, when Zhang Xin was demoted, Zhang You volunteered to go back to Jiaozhi. And when Annam’s military efforts failed, he volunteered again—ending up spending half his life there. Not to mention that Jiaozhi was already full of miasma and poisonous insects; even in the best of places, Zhang You and his family had been separated for years, and now they might not even get to see each other one last time… He could only hope that his father Zhang Zhuo would make it in time, and that Zhang Qian could deliver the memorial through the Jinyiwei as soon as possible.
Jiaozhou Prefecture, Jiaozhi.

Since Zhang Fu pacified Jiaozhi during the Yongle era and established the Jiaozhi Administrative Commission, Emperor Yongle, Zhu Di, fully incorporated Annam into the territory of the Central Plains. It was divided into fifteen prefectures such as Jiaozhou, Beijiang, Liangjiang, and Sanjiang, governing thirty-six states and 181 counties. Additionally, five states and 29 counties under Taiyuan, Xuanhua, Jiaxing, Guihua, and Guangwei were directly under the administrative commission’s control. Guards and inspection stations were established throughout the region, showing a plan to ensure long-term stability. Although later rebellions broke out due to the excessive exploitation by eunuch Ma Qi, local officials and powerful figures also harbored rebellious intentions. After recalling the garrisoning eunuchs and suppressing unrest over several years, the situation improved to its best level. In particular, Jiaozhou Prefecture, where the Jiaozhi Administrative Commission was located, became the most prosperous area in all of Annam, with merchants gathering in large numbers.

However, these days Jiaozhou Prefecture appeared highly vigilant, with empty streets. The general’s headquarters, where Zhang You used to report to his troops daily, was now surrounded by layers of guards, each with a solemn expression on their face. The same was true in the rear offices—ranging from trusted family soldiers to personal servants, everyone moved quietly, with no one even speaking. Inside the main house, filled with a strong medicinal smell, even the sound of a needle falling to the ground could be heard.

“How is he, sir? Has there been any improvement?”

Seeing the doctor’s troubled expression, a young servant anxiously tapped his left palm with his fist before waving his hand impatiently. As the doctor seemed relieved to leave, he suddenly heard movement on the bed. He quickly bent down and saw Zhang You, whose face was pale, opening his eyes. He rushed forward and pulled the doctor back. Seeing the doctor sit down again, filled with fear, he quickly soaked a cool towel in a basin and bent down to wipe Zhang You’s sweat.

“Sir, you’re awake!”

“How long have I been asleep?”

The servant, who had leaned in close to listen, finally heard Zhang You’s voice and whispered, “Sir, it’s only been a day and a night.” When Zhang You frowned and seemed about to speak again, the servant rushed to say, “Don’t worry. At this pace, the messenger to Guangdong should have arrived by now. Once they get the news, the third lord will surely come as soon as possible. Everything is stable now; you just need to recover properly. The doctor said that once you get through these first few days, the situation won’t be so critical.”

From the moment he was struck by the arrow and his wound went numb suddenly, Zhang You knew the arrow must have been coated with deadly poison. Without hesitation, he cut off a large piece of flesh. Fortunately, he had always been cautious about snake venom, so he immediately had someone suck out the poisonous blood and took the best local snake antidote. After returning, he even summoned the best doctors from Jiaozhou Prefecture, yet he remained unconscious at times over the following days. Seeing that the doctors said many nice words but none of substance, he showed signs of impatience.

“Go wait outside!” the servant ordered the doctor sternly. Once the doctor left, he quickly sat down by the bed and leaned in closer. “If my lord has anything to say or ask, please command.”

“Zhuan Fu, go… invite Minister Huang.”

Any other order would have been fine, but upon hearing the name Minister Huang, Zhuan Fu’s expression darkened. Just as he was about to dodge the question, he saw Zhang You staring at him with an extremely stern gaze, so he had no choice but to tell the truth: “We just heard news a few days ago that Minister Huang is seriously ill and unable to get up. They are currently seeking doctors to treat him.”

Hearing this, Zhang You was shocked. He tried to sit up, but his limbs wouldn’t obey him; only the sound of him gritting his teeth could be heard. After Zhuan Fu hurriedly reassured him, he finally calmed down and asked, “Where is my general’s seal now?”

“The situation is urgent. Rebellions have been reported in Jianping Prefecture, Guang’an State, and other places. Yesterday, Lord Rongchang took your seal as Deputy General for Conquering Enemies and has already set out to suppress them. Currently, there are about five thousand troops under the command of the military governor near Jiaozhou Prefecture, enough to defend this area…”

“What’s the use of just defending Jiaozhou Prefecture? If this place falls, Jiaozhi will be lost too!”

Zhang You spat out these words through gritted teeth, then gasped for breath and could say no more. Looking up at the bright green mosquito net above him, he felt utterly empty and uneasy. Over the years, he had worked hard to maintain order and cultivated many capable talents in the army. Now that he had fallen ill and Huang Fu was also sick, Lord Rongchang Chen Zhi would immediately lead troops into battle… If anything went wrong, it would be because of this man!

He forced Zhuan Fu to come closer and then whispered, “Go see Minister Chen Qia. Tell him it’s my order—Commander Fang Zheng and Lord Rongchang Chen Zhi are at odds. He is now near Jiaozhou; ask him to take charge of military affairs there. This isn’t a matter for discussion—he must act without delay! Damn it! If only I had woken up a day earlier, I wouldn’t have let Chen Zhi take troops out so easily!”