Chapter 816: Hearing Praise in Disguise, Encountering Past Kindnesses by Chance

As the Ministry of Rites began preparing matters related to the crown prince, the news reached everyone—from high-ranking officials to ordinary people. Moreover, Zhu Zhanji took this opportunity to issue an edict of leniency after the Mid-Autumn Festival, filling the entire capital with a festive atmosphere. Unlike previous general amnesties, this measure benefited all sectors of society, earning widespread praise from the people.

It was noon at the time. In front of the bulletin board at the Shuntian Prefecture government office, an elderly man in the guise of a scholar stood there, explaining to the gathered crowd, “The relief for disasters means that farmers affected by disasters will be exempt from taxes; the relaxation of horse-related regulations means that debts incurred from past horse breeding will no longer be pursued by the authorities; those displaced by disasters will be resettled locally and exempt from taxes for a year; three-tenths of old tax debts on government-owned lands will be forgiven—mainly referring to long-standing taxes; as for caring for craftsmen, banning granary officials from exploiting them, and urging judicial officials to handle cases carefully—these are all signs of benevolent governance. The emperor is truly wise!”

Though this was a common formula for praising the emperor used by court officials, everyone in front of the bulletin board nodded in agreement. Most of the people living in Beijing now, aside from those who had lived there for decades or centuries, were craftsmen and wealthy families brought there by Emperor Yongle Zhu Di when he moved the capital from Nanjing. Just the measure of caring for craftsmen alone allowed them to breathe a sigh of relief. Moreover, they had heard that the court would establish new rules for employing craftsmen, changing from unpaid labor to a system with clear rewards and punishments—undoubtedly giving people hope. Those with family members in prison were overjoyed, exchanging words filled with endless praise.

Not far from the bulletin board, beneath the wall, a dozen strong men in attendant uniforms were guarding two young men. One wore dark clothes, while the other had a light blue robe. Looking at the bustling crowd, they began to speak in hushed tones.

“Compared to ordinary general amnesties, this edict of leniency has earned even greater gratitude from the people.”

“They may be grateful, but the Ministry of Revenue is in chaos. Xia Yuanji has stepped down, and Hu Jie, who is now acting as minister, says that exempting the people will increase the burden on the treasury. Not only him, but many within the Ministry of Revenue disagree with reducing taxes on government-owned lands. With the edict on land assessment already issued, they are likely the most resentful. But exhausting the people’s strength is a grave mistake—failing to show mercy where it’s possible is not the behavior of a wise ruler.”

Hearing this, Zhang Yue couldn’t help but glance at the people beside him. Over the past nearly two months, after court sessions, Zhu Zhanji often left the palace incognito with his entourage, sometimes to the outskirts and sometimes within the city. It was said that the Jinyiwei and Dongchang were exhausted trying to prevent even the slightest mistake. Since the emperor had asked Empress Dowager Zhang to keep it secret, the matter had been well concealed—even high-ranking officials like Yang Shiqi were unaware of it. Zhang Yue only learned about it because of his well-connected information sources. Yet even so, he was still startled just now.

“The Ministry of Revenue, since it oversees the country’s finances, should not act solely for its own benefit but for the sake of the common people. Complaining only about low taxes on official lands without investigating how much tax evasion exists across the country is putting the cart before the horse. Exempting scholars and gentry from taxes and corvée is a courtesy the court shows to civil and military officials; it should not be taken for granted and turned into a rule. Throughout history, the most dangerous thing have been such unwritten but unbreakable rules.”

“Well said!”

Zhu Zhanji nodded in approval and then walked forward with his hands behind his back, with Zhang Yue closely following. They left Shuntianfu Street and entered Andingmen Street, where there were more people coming and going. The streets were filled with vehicles, and there were even vendors selling goods along the way. At this moment, the Jinyiwei and Dongchang guards became even more vigilant, protecting the emperor closely from all sides, fearing anyone might disturb him. Just then, Zhu Zhanji suddenly stopped, and seeing Zhang Yue also halt in surprise, he lowered his voice.

“I intend to inspect the border in October. What do you think?”

This was a proposal Zhang Yue had already made in court before he returned, but it was never followed up on. Hearing it again now, though somewhat surprised, he understood the emperor’s intentions upon reflection. First, it was to show military officials that he would not neglect military affairs; second, to demonstrate the emperor’s absolute authority to civil officials; third, to intimidate the Tartars like Arutai, who had resurfaced in recent years. After hesitating for a moment, he asked directly, “How large will the accompanying army be?”

“Three thousand elite soldiers will suffice!” Seeing Zhang Yue’s expression change instantly, Zhu Zhanji smiled and said, “Select three thousand elite soldiers from the capital garrisons, and another fifteen thousand brave troops from the local guards—that will be enough. The Duke of Yingguo will naturally accompany us, along with the Marquis of Yangwu and others—enough to ensure safety. Besides, with the Oirats and Tatars fighting each other year after year in the north, and internal rebellions at home, the Wulangha won’t cause much trouble. I’m actually looking forward to them launching an attack so I can give them a good lesson!”

Originally, out of concern for his incognito status, he had always referred to himself as “I.” But now, with the sudden use of the term “I am the emperor,” Zhu Zhanji naturally displayed an imperial air. Hearing that he wasn’t actually bringing only three thousand men with him, Zhang Yue considered the troops stationed at places like Xifengkou, as well as in Danning and Huizhou, before nodding in agreement.
“If it’s just a border inspection, these men will surely suffice. However, if the Tartars in the north are smart, they won’t launch a reckless attack. It will likely be difficult for the emperor to use this as an opportunity to train troops. If they launch a preemptive strike, like Emperor Taizong’s several northern campaigns, it will cost a fortune in resources, and many soldiers will die from poverty and cold. But if they only build fortifications for defense, over time the border defenses might become lax. It’s truly hard to strike the right balance.”
“I intend to find that balance!”
Zhu Zhanji declared firmly, then another idea crossed his mind. After issuing the edict of leniency, there was initial uproar in the court, but the common people praised it highly. Yet he had to consider that, no matter how good the public opinion, those who wrote history and records were ultimately scholars, and they couldn’t be too strict. Thus, he had been pondering this matter in his mind these days, though he hadn’t yet figured it out completely.
Suddenly spotting a teahouse by the road, he turned to Zhang Yue and said, “I’m tired. Accompany me inside to sit and talk.”
With the emperor saying so, everyone around was terrified. Since Zhu Zhanji always went out on a whim and never announced his whereabouts in advance, and always brought these same people with him, everyone feared something might go wrong. The powerful officials from the palace were too conspicuous, so Zhu Zhanji didn’t allow any of them to follow, but they had received strict orders. Who knew if the food in this small teahouse was clean, or if anyone inside might recognize the emperor and plot against him?
So, everyone looked at Zhang Yue, hoping that this newly arrived official could help them out. Zhang Yue naturally knew these people had heavy responsibilities and couldn’t afford to neglect them. Even he wouldn’t dare take the emperor to eat something uncertain, so he quickly tried to think of a solution. As he was pondering, he heard a voice behind him, filled with surprise and joy.
“Brother Zhang!”
Dressed in casual clothes and surrounded by guards, Zhang Yue hadn’t expected anyone to recognize him here. Hearing the call, he quickly turned around. When he saw the man dismounting from his horse and smiling as he walked over, he was momentarily stunned. Noticing Zhu Zhanji looking over, he quietly explained, “It’s the eldest son of Grand Secretary Yang.”

“Is he the Yang Ji you mentioned?” Zhu Zhanji examined the young man who resembled Yang Shiji greatly. After a moment’s thought, he said, “Go and bring him here for me to see. Tell him I’m the nephew of Princess Chenliu and ask him to open the seal so I can take a look.”

Zhang Yue saw Yang Ji being firmly blocked outside by several guards, angrily shouting something. Hearing the emperor’s excuse, he couldn’t help but laugh. It was true after all, so he nodded and went over, saying to the two burly guards, “This is the eldest son of the Yang family. He’s no ordinary stranger with an unknown status. The eldest son said there’s no need to stop him.”

Although his father, Yang Shiji, was a high-ranking official as the Minister of War and Grand Scholar of the Huagai Hall, Yang Ji still had no official status and not even the title of a student. That’s why he had been blocked earlier. He was somewhat displeased. Seeing Zhang Yue personally scolding the guards, he glanced inside before rubbing his wrist and complaining, “Brother Zhang, who are you with? Why such a grand display?”

“That’s the nephew of Princess Chenliu, a top-tier nobleman. The princess asked me to take him around the capital since she can’t do it herself. Naturally, I can only take him for a walk during my lunch break.” Seeing Yang Ji’s astonished expression, he realized this man didn’t understand that the imperial relatives were only nominally noble. Fearing Yang Ji might say something inappropriate, he gave him a few reminders before leading him to Zhu Zhanji. “This is Prince Zhu.”

Yang Ji first bowed deeply but wasn’t sure whether to kneel, becoming flustered. Eventually, Zhu Zhanji smiled, put away his fan, and said there was no need for excessive formalities, which relieved him. When Zhu Zhanji had visited Yang Shiji’s residence incognito, Yang Ji, having no official status, hadn’t been allowed to come forward by his father, so he didn’t know the man before him. But over the years, he had improved in handling social interactions. Hearing Zhu Zhanji speak as if he knew his father well, his initial unease gradually faded.

“It’s noon. Has Prince Zhu eaten yet? If not, there’s a small shop ahead…”

Seeing this sudden arrival causing trouble again, Wang Yu, who had followed him today, couldn’t afford to ignore it and gently interjected, “Prince Zhu, the princess instructed before you left that you shouldn’t use anything outside casually. So, various snacks have been prepared in a lunchbox. If you’re really hungry, it would be best to find a clean place to eat.”

In just a moment, Wang Yu had spun a perfect lie, which made Zhang Yue smile. Seeing Zhu Zhanji frown, he quickly said, “Please show some understanding for them, Lord, so they won’t have trouble explaining things back home. Brother Yang, you know this place well—find a quiet spot to sit. I’m also getting hungry.”

The Yang family came from a scholarly background and didn’t follow the strict rules of wealthy aristocratic families. Yang Ji had interacted with many elite youths in the capital, but he had never seen anyone so cautious. Rather than feeling embarrassed, he was rather amazed and envious. With Zhang Yue smoothing things over, he quickly felt at ease.

“Then let’s go to Gulou Lower Street. I bought a small house by Shichahai there and just finished tidying it up these days.”

Since it wasn’t a busy place and Gulou Lower Street was close to Beianmen, and Yang Ji was the son of Yang Shiqi, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Zhang Yue quickly agreed, and Zhu Zhanji had no objections. Yang Ji only brought a servant with him. He had originally planned to send someone to give notice, but Zhang Yue, worried about complications, stopped him from doing so, and they headed straight there. When they reached the small alley in Gulou Lower Street, Yang Ji knocked loudly on the door of his house. Before that door opened, another door next to it did. Zhu Ning, walking at the front, was suddenly surprised to see such a large group and recognized Zhang Yue and Zhu Zhanji, leaving her stunned.

Zhu Zhanji, quick-witted, stepped forward with a smile and said, “What a coincidence! I didn’t hear Aunt Ning mention this when I left early this morning. Are you here to visit friends?”

The strangest thing in the world was undoubtedly lying only to run into the person involved. Seeing Zhu Zhanji step forward to cover up the lie, Zhang Yue couldn’t help but smile inwardly. But when he saw the two people coming out behind Zhu Ning, he was also stunned. At that moment, he couldn’t help but gaze at the unassuming small house before turning to look at Yang Ji.

“That’s Princess Chenliu… Good heavens, is that your cousin? What a coincidence! How strange!”

Yang Ji had already stepped forward and whispered something in Zhang Yue’s ear. Then he recognized Xiao Wu and almost popped out his eyes in shock. Seeing Du Wan looking at him in astonishment as well, Zhang Yue could only force a wry smile, thinking, “Great, everyone’s gathered here today.” Fortunately, Zhu Ning quickly recovered from her shock and quickly explained, “You went out for a stroll early this morning, and I thought I’d meet up with my old friends I haven’t seen in ages, so I invited them to come out. Who knew we’d run into you all here?”

At that moment, Zhang Yue caught a glimpse of a green figure helping a beautiful woman in white retreat hastily. He already guessed who lived there. Seeing that Zhu Ning hadn’t explained who the residents were, he interjected with a smile, “The place is narrow. In my opinion, we should go to Chongguo Temple. The weather is just right for chrysanthemums to bloom—perfect for enjoying them. Would you like to come along?”
“What do we women have to do with your men’s affairs? Go ahead yourselves. Just make sure not to be out too long; come back early so I won’t get scolded by my sister-in-law!”
It was a double entendre. Zhu Zhanji could only smile bitterly and nod. Thus, the group, along with the bewildered Yang Ji, quickly left the alley and rode like the wind to Chongguo Temple. They dismounted skillfully in front of the temple. Without even looking at Yang Ji, Zhu Zhanji directly asked Zhang Yue, “Are those the Meng family living there?”
Zhang Yue was momentarily stunned before smiling bitterly and saying, “Judging from their appearance, they must have come to visit a friend. Definitely.”
“I think so too,” Zhu Zhanji said, glancing at Wang Yu, who was assigning more than a dozen guards behind them. He added with a smile, “If it weren’t for you reminding Wang Yu back then, Huang Yan that old scoundrel might have succeeded. That’s why Emperor Taizong didn’t reward you for this, but I’ve always remembered it. I’m too lazy to pursue further the Meng family’s crimes. Even if not for you, I’d do it for Aunt Ning’s sake. Speaking of which, your wife does value old friendships—no wonder she gets along well with Aunt Ning.”