Chapter 769: The Elder’s Hard Work

Learning that the imperial court had dispatched Marquis Anyuan Liu Sheng to lead the troops in the campaign, with Duke Qian Guo Mu Sheng’s army providing support, and Minister of War in Nanjing Li Qing and Governor of Guangdong Zhang Yue accompanying to advise on military affairs, plus officials assigned to handle supplies and provisions, the overwhelmed Chen Qia finally breathed a sigh of relief. At that moment, Peng Shisan, who had been gathering information, happened to return. Zhang Zhuo lent him the man, so he didn’t delay any longer, expressed his gratitude hastily, and left in a rush.

After all, Chen Zhi, the Marquis of Rongchang, had been defeated and killed, Zhang You was seriously injured, and Commander Fang Zheng was gathering the defeated troops near Jiaozhou Prefecture. He alone had taken on the heavy responsibilities from overseeing the two ministries to commanding the entire army—a burden he couldn’t afford to neglect.

As soon as Chen Qia left, Zhang Zhuo called over the two attendants who had come with Zhang Chao and carefully inquired about the details of this military campaign. They said they set off from the capital immediately upon hearing the news and only learned of it a few days ago while passing through Pingxiang in Guangxi. This made Zhang Zhuo frown even more, and he naturally glanced back at the imperial physician who was being helped inside the room.

When Zhang Zhuo first came here, he had thought of bringing a doctor to Guangzhou, but considering the dangerous journey and the fact that poison arrows were not something ordinary doctors could treat, he gave up on the idea. Now he asked, “So this imperial physician has been traveling with you all the way? Is he skilled in treating external injuries?”

“Reporting to Third Master, Imperial Physician He once accompanied Emperor Taizong on northern campaigns and is highly skilled in treating wounds from swords and poisons. That’s why the Empress Dowager chose him to accompany us. Though he has been with the army many times, his health isn’t as strong as ours. The rapid journey has taken a toll on him. Earlier, the eldest young master was so anxious that he almost left him behind to rush ahead, but we managed to stop him.”

Hearing silence from inside, though anxious, Zhang Zhuo had no more questions and ordered the two men to rest first. After they left, he instructed Zhan Fu to guard the door, then quietly pushed open the room door. He saw Imperial Physician He checking pulses, while Zhang Chao was still kneeling by the bed. He stepped forward quietly. After a short while, Imperial Physician He wiped his sweat with his sleeve and tried to stand up, but stumbled.

Zhang Chao had also traveled for twenty days straight. Seeing Imperial Physician He fall, he was powerless to help. Fortunately, quick-witted Zhang Zhuo rushed to support him. Imperial Physician He managed to steady himself but didn’t pay attention to the person holding him; instead, he asked directly, “Is the poison arrow still there?”

“Yes, I’ll order someone to fetch it right away!” Zhang Zhuo shouted orders to those outside. Seeing that Zhang You on the bed had fainted again, he grew even more anxious. He helped him out and quickly asked, “Since a diagnosis has been made, what’s the current situation?”
“The reason he’s held on this long is, first, that Lord Yangwu was originally in good health, and second, the poisoned flesh was removed in time, and the poisonous blood was sucked out. The medication used was also appropriate. But since the poisoning was severe, the medicine had to be stronger—the previous doctors were too cautious. Now, over a month has passed, and we can only do our best. However, I’ve brought some secret medicines for treating poison injuries. If Lord Yangwu can hold on, he might survive, but it’s uncertain… And even if he’s saved, his future is still uncertain…”
Before he could finish, Zhang Chao, who had rushed out in haste, glared at him angrily: “We brought you here from afar, and all you say is we can only do our best? If not for your delays along the way, we would have arrived days earlier!”
“Shut up! Doctor He isn’t younger than you. He followed the king’s orders and traveled over eight thousand li to get here. All he’s doing now is giving an honest diagnosis, yet you complain. Where’s your respect for elders?” Zhang Zhuo was afraid of Zhang Chao’s recklessness, and seeing that he had indeed become impulsive, he quickly stopped him and helped Doctor He out. Seeing Zhang Chao in tears, he felt sad too, but could only whisper, “Stay by your father’s side more—he’s been struggling all these days.”
Doctor He had already experienced Zhang Chao’s fiery temper along the way. Though he understood that the father and son might be separated forever, his own mission to Jiaozhi was also a dangerous one that could cost him his life, so his resentment was natural. Zhang Chao’s outburst made him even angrier. It wasn’t until Zhang Zhuo scolded him first that his expression eased slightly. Only after being personally helped out and hearing sincere words of gratitude did his frown disappear.
“I wonder if you’re Lord Yangwu’s…”
“Lord Yangwu is my elder brother.”
“Could it be… that the eldest son of that nobleman is Lord Zhang, who is now the governor of Guangdong?”
Zhang Zhuo nodded. Seeing the doctor’s expression freeze, he repeatedly apologized and spoke humbly. He also expressed his gratitude to Doctor He. Only after the doctor’s expression softened did he conclude that Zhang Chao’s impulsive behavior earlier wouldn’t cause any major trouble. The two sat in a side room outside for a while, and then Zhuan Fu brought over the poisoned arrow wrapped in a handkerchief. After examining it, Doctor He nodded thoughtfully.

“As expected, this is a mixture of the juices from various poisonous snakes and plants… The medicines I brought should work. But please convey to Lord Yangwu’s eldest son that results will be seen in at least two or three days, and at most five or six days. If he can hold on, that’s good; otherwise… we’ll have to prepare for the worst!”
Zhuan Fu, who had been full of hope just moments ago, was struck like by lightning. Zhang Zhuo also sighed deeply before forcing himself to nod and say, “Anyway, it’s up to Doctor He from now on.”
Half a month had passed since they arrived in Jiaozhou Prefecture. While staying by Zhang You’s bedside to take care of him, Zhang Zhuo also sent people out to gather information. Despite his usually strong health, he was beginning to struggle now that Zhang Chao was expected to arrive. After Zhuan Fu took the prescription and medicines and sent Doctor He off to rest, Zhang Zhuo returned to the room. He could no longer sit upright and collapsed onto the grand chair, falling asleep shortly after. He didn’t know how long he slept. When he woke up groggily, he found himself lying in bed, covered with a thin blanket, with a slight headache.
“Someone!”
Soon, a servant rushed in. Seeing Zhang Zhuo trying to sit up, he quickly stepped forward to help and said, “Master fell asleep on the grand chair outside. Just then, the eldest young master came by. Seeing this, he had the chair brought in and personally carried you to bed, ordering us not to disturb you.”
“I see… How long did I sleep? What time is it now?”
“Reporting to you, master, it’s already the hour of Mao in the morning. You’ve been sleeping continuously since last afternoon.”
Zhang Zhuo got out of bed in his slippers, feeling dizzy and sore all over. Hearing this, he was even more alarmed. The climate in Jiaozhou was very different from that in the Central Plains, even different from the humid and hot Guangzhou. Over these days, as he dealt with household affairs, he had often heard of people falling ill, so he knew he absolutely couldn’t get sick now. He asked the servant to help him change clothes. After stretching his body and finding he was fine, he hurried out, only to happen to run into Zhang Chao.
After spending the evening talking with his seriously injured father and resting all night to regain his strength, Zhang Chao had changed into new clothes. Thinking of Zhang Zhuo risking his life to come from Guangzhou, he felt grateful and bowed respectfully to thank him, almost choking up with emotion. Seeing this, Zhang Zhuo comforted him briefly before asking, “How is things at home when you left?”

At the mention of home, Zhang Chao’s expression immediately changed. After hesitating for a long time, he whispered, “My mother fainted the moment she heard the news. So my second brother, who originally planned to come, had no choice but to stay in the capital to take care of her. But…” Recalling the sudden incident that had happened earlier, he didn’t know how to start speaking. After much hesitation, he stammered, “Half a year ago, Aunt Fang took my seventh brother and disappeared suddenly, leaving no message at all. Since this had happened before, my mother said it was better not to make a fuss, so they spread the rumor that both mother and son had contracted an epidemic and held a funeral…”

“Absurd! She already ran away once before. Didn’t they keep people watching her ever since? How could they suddenly relax their vigilance?”

“Over the past few years, she just stayed indoors and behaved properly, so my mother said there was no need to guard her like a thief. Gradually, they removed the guards. After that, she stayed at home the whole time. No one expected such an incident to happen again. Fortunately, it’s been so long, and there haven’t been any unfavorable rumors like before. Besides, Aunt Fang didn’t come here, so it probably won’t get out of control.”

Though shocked and angry, this was a matter related to the second branch of the family, so Zhang Zhuo couldn’t say much. After giving a few reminders, he dropped the subject and then asked about the news of the military expedition. Unfortunately, Zhang Chao only heard the news while passing through Pingxiang and knew nothing else, so he couldn’t say much. Only when he mentioned that things had been relatively smooth after entering Jiaozhou did his expression improve a bit.

“I came from Guangzhou before, but along the way I fought in two battles, wounded two men, and killed many bandits before reaching Jiaozhou Prefecture. With just such a small group, you managed to make it smoothly—quite lucky.” Seeing Zhang Chao freeze up, Zhang Zhuo reminded him, “With your father in this condition, you need to be prepared. Although you might not inherit the title in the future, remember that you’re still your father’s eldest son. You can’t make any more mistakes. Like that incident where you scolded the imperial physician… He may not be very skilled, but one should remember others’ efforts. Even if it’s an imperial order to travel thousands of miles, it’s still his dedication! If word gets out, those who know will think you care about your father’s safety, but those who don’t will say you’re disrespectful to your emperor!”

Despite his mind filled with sorrow and anxiety, Zhang Chao was suddenly jolted awake by Zhang Zhuo’s stern reprimand. Having spent so many years in Tongzhou Wei, he was not entirely unfamiliar with worldly affairs, even if he wasn’t an expert in them. Thinking of how the servant had mentioned that Zhang Zhuo had rushed to Jiaozhou Prefecture as soon as he received the news, and had since stayed by his father’s side almost every day, he quickly bowed deeply and said, “Thank you, third uncle, for your teachings. These past days, I owe much to you for taking care of my father.”

“We’re all one family—why such formalities? By the way, looking at you, it seems you’re about to leave?”

Unlike his dusty appearance the previous day, Zhang Chao was now dressed in a brand-new official robe of bright red silk with tiger and leopard patterns, paired with black boots and a Zhongjing crown. He didn’t look like someone going about household matters but rather like someone heading off on official business. Hearing Zhang Zhuo’s question, he replied solemnly, “Third uncle, Father just instructed me to go to the Bureau of Administration as the eldest son of the Marquis of Yangwu to help Minister Chen suppress the defeated troops in the city as soon as possible. Father said that if Jiaozhou Prefecture remains safe, he can hold on a few more days; but if it falls, even he… will have no face to return to the capital. As his son, I must fulfill my father’s trust. Father also asked me to visit Minister Huang.”

“Second brother still has the same temper…”

Though filled with emotion, Zhang Zhuo didn’t dare hinder Zhang Chao’s important task. After giving him more instructions, he let him go. Only after he left did Zhang Zhuo remember that Zhang Chao had traveled here almost without rest. If Zhang You really couldn’t hold on, there would surely be another major matter to deal with. Having to be both loyal and filial was indeed difficult for Zhang Chao, but who knew it might not be Zhang You’s earnest effort to guide his son? Zhang Chao had made mistakes when he was young and thus lost his title. Without any other outstanding achievements, his life would have ended there.

Nanning Prefecture, Guangxi.

Since troops were being sent in from both Yunnan and Guangxi this time, the army led by Mu Sheng was only a reserve force, with the main force still setting out from Pingxiang. Although Zhang Yue held the title of advisor, he was not as experienced as Li Qing. Therefore, upon arrival, he mainly assisted Marquis Liu Sheng with various military orders and documents, as well as helped coordinate the supply of food and rations with the other two civil officials. One day, since Minister Li Qing of the Nanjing Ministry of War finally arrived, Zhang Yue personally led people to greet him. Yet the moment they met, he was stunned.

It had been over a year since they last met. The Minister of War, who had still appeared in excellent health when he left, now looked much older, with deep wrinkles clearly visible on his forehead. As he was helped down from the carriage, he staggered and nearly fell. It took some time before he noticed Zhang Yue waiting for him; immediately, he shook off those helping him and strode forward with a serious expression.

Seeing Zhang Yue bow deeply in greeting, Li Qing smiled sheepishly and hurriedly helped him up. When Zhang Yue went to Guangdong to take up his post, Li Qing was still the Minister of War, but later he was transferred to the Nanjing Military Department and, just like Zhao Jin who had been displaced earlier, spent his days in retirement. Before leaving this time, although he felt unwell and his family urged him to submit a petition asking to be excused due to illness, after much consideration, he set aside concerns such as being far from home and chose only four middle-aged servants to accompany him, escorted by military guards.

“I’ve been competitive my whole life. I never expected that in my old age, I’d see a young talent soar to success.”

Though Li Qing didn’t name anyone, Zhang Yue could sense the hint of melancholy in what seemed like praise, so he quickly changed the subject and talked about other things. Although the rank of the governor was only slightly lower than that of a minister, and Li Qing was now just an official in Nanjing, since he was both a former superior and an elder, Zhang Yue naturally gave way in every regard. Once they entered the military headquarters and the outsiders left, he personally helped Li Qing, whose legs were trembling, inside. As they walked, Li Qing couldn’t help but sigh softly.

“My health isn’t what it used to be. Although I came here as ordered, I asked the emperor for permission to bring with me the most capable men from the Nanjing Military Department. One is Shi An, a medical officer, and the other is Chen Yong, an administrative officer. Both are talented individuals; you can meet them later.”

Was this a trust or a recommendation?

Zhang Yue wasn’t sure, but knowing that although Li Qing was strict and competitive, he was upright in character, he quickly nodded. After he led Li Qing into the hall and they met, the military commander Cui Ju and other officers gathered. Liu Sheng, the Marquis of Anyuan, then said simply, “March on the second day of September!”