Chapter 793: Apologizing with Humility

Early the next morning, Tu Keming, the governor of Nanyang who had stayed up all night, forced himself to preside over the court. The first thing he did was order notices to be posted, informing the people that the suspect responsible for trampling over vendors and passersby the previous day had been captured and would be punished with whips according to the severity of his crime. Word spread quickly throughout the city. Not only the families of those injured but also many other citizens came to watch, some for the satisfaction of seeing justice done, some for the spectacle, while still more were puzzled by the governor’s sudden change in attitude.

After the judgment was rendered in court, guards led the criminal to the platform outside and began beating him with whips. Soon, the sounds of counting, screams, and pleas for mercy mixed together and spread outside. Although the large screen at the entrance blocked the view, the sounds were unmistakable. After several rounds of beating, five or six more people were brought out and displayed in chains at the entrance of the yamen. The onlookers outside immediately erupted in loud cheers.

When those who had undergone the punishment were carried out of the yamen, their buttocks and thighs were covered in blood, and they all seemed exhausted. Seeing the nobleman in fine clothes among them, the outraged crowd finally calmed down and praised the governor for his swift and fair enforcement of the law, elevating Tu Keming to great heights in their eyes.

While the townspeople cheered, the Jinyiwei urgently sent messengers to the capital, and Zhang Yue and Mu Bin had already set off with their men. Mu Bin had heard that Zhang Yue had been busy all night the previous day. Shortly after he returned, Ma Baihu rushed over urgently, though it was unclear what they were discussing. Though curious about why Zhang Yue was involved in this matter and what methods he used, he decided not to inquire—less was more, as curiosity could only bring harm to a nobleman’s reputation.

The Eastern Depot, Dongji Shi Changyamen.
These days, the birth of the crown prince had brought great excitement inside and outside the palace. Rewards from the twenty-four yamen departments were distributed in several batches, and even those who usually received little benefit, such as the attendants, got a share. Not to mention the Eastern Depot under the supervision of the Imperial Secretariat. Yet Lu Feng, the supervisor of the Eastern Depot, was far from happy, as the message sent by Zhang Yue through the Jinyiwei was not good news at all.

Although the two had a good relationship, the Jinyiwei were royal spies, and information was hardly ever passed through them in the past. This time, Zhang Yue suddenly broke with tradition. He initially found it strange, but after hearing the contents of the message, he flew into a rage. These days, not to mention the lower-ranking officials who were all on tenterhooks, even his trusted subordinates, who he regarded as sons-in-law, spoke with extreme caution, fearing his anger.

“Damn you, little brat!”

By now, the man he had sent to Nanyang Prefecture had already rushed back with Ma Baihu at full speed. Hearing the detailed report, he gritted his teeth in fury, wishing he could kill that troublemaking nephew.

He had intended to pass on his wealth to his subordinates, but this was not the right time. How could he be so foolish as to bring his nephew to the capital? He wasn’t some eunuch like Zheng He whose face was more important than anything! Over the years, he had always been third in rank at the Imperial Secretariat. If it weren’t for his careful conduct and the support of Zhang Qian’s connections, the Eastern Depot would have long been out of control!

“Where is that little brat?”

“Reporting to you, sir. With Lord Zhang’s intervention, the eldest son and all the servants and attendants were sent to the prefecture office to confess their crimes. It was said to be your order. Now everyone in Nanyang Prefecture praises the prefect for upholding justice impartially and for showing great righteousness by punishing his own kin…” At this point, Ma Baihu, who had rushed to the capital to report, couldn’t help but glance at Lu Feng. Though he wanted to be more explicit, given Zhang Yue’s warning, he could only add cautiously, “We originally didn’t dare do it, but Lord Zhang said that if Lord Lu found out, he would surely impose severe punishment too…”

“Stop talking. That kid deserves to be beaten. I don’t need such an unruly nephew!”

Although he was annoyed that Zhang Yue had humiliated him, having held high positions for years, Lu Feng still knew how to weigh things carefully. Moreover, given the strangeness of this matter, he had to be extra cautious. He immediately ordered a middle-aged eunuch beside him, “Go back to my hometown and tell them to behave properly. Don’t think about running away just because nothing is happening! I have no intention of cleaning up after them this year, let alone bringing them to the capital to cause trouble!”

Seeing the middle-aged eunuch nod in agreement and hurry off, he quickly dismissed the Jinyiwei with a few words, then slammed the table fiercely, his face showing both anger and suspicion. Since he had offended the heir of the Prince of Qian, Zhang Yue’s actions might have been harsh, but there was nothing wrong with them. Yet, the matter could have been handled more discreetly—why make such a fuss? Wouldn’t that bring shame upon him? After much thought with no clear solution, growing impatient, he was about to stand up when someone rushed in like the wind from outside.
“Director, news came from Xuanwu Gate—someone saw Lord Zhang returning, heading straight for the Ministry of War!”
Previously, the expedition to Jiaozhi had been ordered by the Ministry of War, so upon returning to the capital, Zhang Yue exchanged a few polite words with Mu Bin before heading to the Ministry of War. He had worked there for many years, from the Armory Department to the Geography Department, and naturally had many acquaintances. So when he returned, several officials came out to greet him. Only Wan Shijie was away on business and hadn’t returned yet, and the higher-ranking officials didn’t make him wait long.
The current Minister of War was Zhang Ben, a veteran official from the Hongwu era. He had served as Deputy Minister of Justice for many years and spent some time in Nanjing before finally being promoted to Minister of War during the Hongxi era, after his advice pleased Zhu Gaochi. Later, due to disliking Li Qing’s strictness, he was transferred to this position. Now nearly seventy, though his hair and beard were white, he was still in good spirits. He treated Zhang Yue indifferently.
Zhang Yue had heard before that he was a strict and principled man, so he didn’t take it to heart. After completing his official reports, he bowed and left. As soon as he reached the entrance of the Ministry of War, he ran into Wan Shijie, who happened to be returning. Since it was a formal institution, even the usually casual Wan Shijie couldn’t be too familiar. Winking at Zhang Yue, he said, “Come to my father-in-law’s house tonight. You missed my son’s first birthday celebration, and you still haven’t given your gift!”
“Did you already pay for my son’s share?” Zhang Yue laughed sarcastically, then added, “Besides, there’s someone else about to give birth in my family. If you’re preparing gifts, don’t forget to make one extra!”
Only then did Wan Shijie remember the number of people in Zhang Yue’s household, and he felt furious. If not for being in the office, he would have punched Zhang Yue in the face and called him cunning. Now, he could only glare at him angrily before saying irritably, “Enough, you rich tycoon still like to take advantage of me! I have to go report to Minister Zhang now. I’ll get you drunk properly tonight—just wait!”

The two brothers-in-law exchanged glances, then smiled and bowed to each other before going their separate ways. Upon reaching the gate, Zhang Yue mounted his horse along with a few attendants, slowly leading the horse out of the narrow alley filled with government offices. After passing the Si Pai Lou at the street crossing and entering Xuanwu Gate Street, he finally sped up. Like a gust of wind, he entered his own Wuanhou Hutong, where he saw vehicles and horses parked deep inside, which surprised him slightly.

He hadn’t sent anyone to inform the capital of his return, so how could someone have known in advance and been waiting at the gate?

Before leaving the capital, the three branches of the Zhang family had already started living separately. Besides the most grand Zhang You’s residence, there were Zhang Xin’s house and his own house next to it. The three families had interconnected gates, so they weren’t completely separated. Since they were all part of the Zhang family, outsiders distinguished them by different names: Yangwu Bo’s Mansion, Commander Zhang’s Mansion, and Xiao Zhang’s Mansion. The latter name sounded a bit awkward but was quite familiar. Although Zhang Yue’s family wasn’t in the capital, this name had become widely used.

Now, upon arriving at Xiao Zhang’s Mansion, he clearly saw those vehicles and horses. At first glance, the carriages seemed ordinary, with green curtains and cloud motifs, but the horses pulling them were strong and fine Yuyan horses—using such horses for carriages was undoubtedly a sign of extravagance given the decline in livestock breeding in the Central Plains. The coachman in front wore neatly dressed sapphire-blue clothes, with the words “Ji Shi” clearly printed on them, as if to make sure everyone noticed. Seeing this, Zhang Yue immediately understood who these uninvited guests were.

After moving apart, since the Dong family didn’t want the old loyalists from his ex-wife’s regime to continue in power, and Zhang Xin, having spent many years in Jiaozhi, preferred to hire people who had gradually joined his household, the status of the old steward Gao Quan became awkward.

In the end, it was Zhang Yue who trusted this old steward best. When they moved apart, he smoothly brought Gao Quan’s entire family over and continued to let him manage household affairs, while also promoting several managers like Lian Sheng and Lian Hu. Additionally, Zhang Zhuo also placed two of his former subordinates in the household. Thus, even though the family had been away from the capital for over two years, the large mansion remained clean and tidy, without any signs of neglect.

Although Gao Quan knew that Zhang Yue had returned by imperial order, he didn’t expect it to be today. So after letting him in, he couldn’t help but repeatedly apologize, then half-jokingly complained, “The young master should have sent a message so that everyone could prepare. Instead, it was Lord Lu who came, and only then did everyone realize the young master would arrive today. If I had known earlier, I could have sorted out the accounts and prepared the bedding to cover up any irregularities.”

“Then go and cover them up now. I don’t have time to deal with these things in the next couple of days!”

Although Zhang Yue was not there, he was well-informed, and he was quite satisfied with his journey here, so he enjoyed teasing Gao Quan. When they arrived at Yongzhang Hall, where guests were formally received, he left Gao Quan to arrange various matters related to receiving guests and stepped into the main hall. Seeing Lu Feng, who was sitting at the head of the guest seating area, standing up with a smile, he walked forward smilingly.

“Lord Lu truly has excellent information skills. You didn’t even wait for me to rest before coming straight to demand an explanation!”

“What explanation? It should be said that I’m here to humble myself and apologize!” As he spoke, Lu Feng gave a signal to the two Eunuch Bureau guards standing nearby. Seeing them silently retreat, he then bowed to Zhang Yue and said, “If it weren’t for running into you, Lord Zhang, and if something had happened through someone else, our situation would have been difficult.”

“It was just an unexpected encounter. I sent him to the yamen without hesitation. It should be me who asks Lord Lu for forgiveness.”

Having rushed here in such a hurry and claiming to be here to humble himself, Zhang Yue thought this guy really knew how to take advantage of situations. He quickly helped the man up. After the guests and host sat down and the servants brought in more tea before retreating, he explained the reasons for his visit. Seeing Lu Feng’s face full of remorse rather than true hatred, he suddenly said, “Lord Lu must have heard what I mentioned. It’s indeed strange that your nephew came to the capital without informing you.”

Having spent time with Zhang Yue, Lu Feng naturally knew that his opponent was far more cunning than himself. Hearing this suddenly, he gritted his teeth and angrily asked, “Tell me, was it someone using our family’s name to send him to the capital? Or did someone incite him to come to the capital and cause trouble, making it difficult for us to handle the situation? Or perhaps…”

“Someone incited your nephew, telling him that you are the supervisor of the Eastern Depot in the capital and have more influence than those high-ranking officials, urging him to come to the capital to seek you out so he could obtain a real position of power. As for causing trouble along the way, it’s because your nephew has been spoiled at home and further incited by servants who have received favors from him, so naturally he acts recklessly. Just because I scolded him a bit, he dared to fabricate false cases and frame the Jinyiwei, trying to shift the blame onto them—your nephew truly has a ruthless mindset!”

Zhang Yue, who was sitting calmly, saw Lu Feng’s expression shift from annoyance to shock, and then from shock to fury, realizing that the other party had believed his words. Since the truth had been revealed, he didn’t bother to intervene any further and spoke in a more stern tone, “Although the previous turmoil has subsided somewhat due to the birth of the crown prince, many people are still watching over you guys. It’s one thing if you’re far apart and can’t interfere in normal times, but this time he’s using your name to go to the capital—everything will be blamed on you.”

“Good, good! It’s like being hunted all day only to be pecked by a goose—someone really has their eyes set on our family!”

Lu Feng was so angry he felt dizzy, his face turning ashen. He immediately stood up and bowed to Zhang Yue, saying, “I can’t express enough gratitude for you, Lord Zhang, for disciplining my nephew on my behalf! After all, I have more than one nephew. I’ll have someone break his legs to avenge you. I also owe you thanks for uncovering such a serious threat. Now that this has happened, please tell me—who exactly is that scoundrel?”

“I had the local authorities and the Jinyiwei arrest him that very night. Later, someone confessed that it was a servant named Jiang Bai who instigated your nephew, Lu Yi, to ask the Jinyiwei for help. When Ma Baihu arrested him, after just a few lashes, the man confessed to having taken bribes. This guy was originally a local hooligan who went to live with your cousin. Besides, since Ma Baihu knows now, you might as well use him—after all, he doesn’t know which powerful figure he’s offended, and only with your protection can he stay safe.”

While saying this, Zhang Yue knew in his heart that the powerful figure in question couldn’t possibly be those civil officials—although they all had their own agendas these days, they weren’t as despicable as those in the mid and late Ming dynasties. It was likely some intrigue within the palace. It seemed that Yu Qian’s actions had stirred up waves, and the eunuchs, who were hit hardest, were already trying to band together. It wouldn’t be easy to bring them all down, but he could narrow the scope and intensify the attacks.