Chapter 105: An unexpected encounter with the Empress's daughter, and an audience with the Emperor...
The next day, the sky was high and the clouds were light, and Zhang Ting went on duty as usual.
"Good morning, Lord Zhang!" It was an editor from the same department, who was running over quickly, her official robes billowing in the smiles, her eyes brimming with enthusiasm.
Before she could answer, someone patted her on the shoulder again. "Lord Zhang, you look quite well today?"
The attendant from next door suddenly appeared out of nowhere, "What a coincidence! Good morning, Lord Zhang."
After finishing her business with these people, Zhang Ting stepped into the courtyard. The maids who were sweeping hurriedly put away their brooms and bowed. Three or five colleagues who were discussing poetry together turned around and bowed to her in unison when they saw her.
When Zhang Ting reached the door of the duty room, his back was already slightly sweaty. Suddenly, he heard hurried footsteps behind him. The previous editor, carrying his own poems, essays, and policy proposals, chased after him, panting, "Lord Zhang, please wait!"
"I admire your talent, sir, and have specially presented you with your new article for your guidance."
After dealing with her colleagues, Zhang Ting let out a long sigh and pushed open the duty room door. Sunlight slanted across her shoulders, making her young face glow.
She had only been sitting down for a short time when she received a summons.
"Lord Zhang, please come with me." The person who came smiled kindly, but her demeanor carried a hint of arrogance.
Zhang Ting straightened her clothes and said, "Thank you for leading the way, Aunt." This was the first time Emperor Chengtai had summoned her, and she didn't know why.
"Please go ahead."
The palace maid had served Emperor Chengtai for many years and knew a little about her likes and dislikes. Seeing that Zhang Tinglong was deeply favored and was about to marry a noble prince, she was happy to curry favor with her.
On the way, he inadvertently revealed some trivial matters.
He even congratulated her with a beaming smile: "Lord Zhang, just wait for wealth and fortune to come knocking on your door!"
"Thank you for your kind words, Aunt." Zhang Ting replied with a smile, but then turned her head and curled her lips into a thoughtful expression.
Seemingly realizing that the palace maid was not keeping a tight rein on things, Zhang Ting patiently coaxed her into revealing some information.
Your Majesty currently has four daughters and three sons alive.
The eldest princess, though born out of wedlock, is known for her kindness and love for the people, earning her widespread popularity. She has a powerful advisor, Prime Minister Xu, who is widely known to be eyeing the position of Crown Princess.
The deposed Crown Princess, the second daughter of His Majesty, is of unknown character and conduct. Now confined to the Eastern Palace, she is a useless pawn with no chance of turning the tide.
The Third Princess was a woman of strong character and a passion for horse training. Her aunt was Zheng Zeyan, the Minister of War, and her father was also a favorite in the palace. However, he died young after falling off a horse.
The fourth princess was born to a palace maid after the emperor was drunk. However, she was born with a limp and was not favored by the emperor. Now she is over thirty years old and has not yet left the palace to build her own residence, so her status is awkward.
The Fifth Princess is His Majesty's most beloved youngest daughter. She is elegant and graceful, skilled in both literature and martial arts, decisive and cheerful, and most filial. She often serves the Emperor.
The sixth prince was born to a slave in the inner palace and was married to the second daughter of the Marquis of Ningyuan; the seventh prince was born to a noble lady who had been in charge of the Phoenix Seal since the Empress's death and was married to the eldest daughter of the Prime Minister.
Finally, there was His Majesty's most beloved youngest son, the Eighth Prince, the younger brother of the Fifth Princess. He was as beautiful as a flower and exceptionally talented. He had just married the daughter of the Duke of Zheng two years ago, but unfortunately, his wife died young last June.
Zhang Ting stroked his chin and analyzed, "This means that if the imperial power changes hands one day, the eldest princess and the fifth princess are the most likely to ascend to the throne."
The palace maid led her ahead, and she thought she had successfully made a connection with the new nobleman, completely unaware that she had been led astray and had left such a huge hole in her heart.
The two walked towards the Zichen Palace one after the other. Along the way, they encountered an incomparably magnificent sedan chair with a neat and orderly procession, exuding an imposing aura.
The palace maid took a closer look and exclaimed "Oh my!" This was the Fifth Princess's ceremonial procession. She immediately knelt down and kowtowed, shouting, "May the Imperial Princess enjoy boundless blessings!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Ting raised an eyebrow and bowed slightly in greeting. Speak of the devil, and he appears.
The Fifth Princess leaned against the palanquin. She had just finished paying respects to her elderly mother and emerged from the Zichen Palace, feeling dizzy and utterly exhausted. Since her mother's ascension to the throne, she had diligently served as a dutiful daughter for ten years. Now that the Crown Prince was still undecided, surely it would be hers no matter what?
But her subordinates' repeated attempts to test her only resulted in thunderous rage, and today she too suffered the consequences!
Being born into an imperial family is so tiring.
Hearing a familiar voice greeting her, she subconsciously straightened her back and perked up. She sighed again and again, shaking off her dejected and depressed expression, and leaned out of the sedan chair with a smile.
"Oh, isn't this Aunt Ke? Please get up quickly, it's such a coincidence to see you today." Her tone was extremely warm, and she then told the maid to stop the sedan chair and personally went down to help her up.
Chen Liu turned his head and saw an unfamiliar official standing next to him. He was decent-looking, but looked too honest and unassuming, like an old scholar teaching at the Imperial Academy. He hesitated and asked, "And this gentleman is...?"
"Your humble servant Zhang Ting pays his respects to the Imperial Daughter."
Upon hearing this, Chen Liu suddenly realized, and her smile deepened. So this was her future sister-in-law. Ah, she thought to herself, with her appearance and temperament, she looked cautious and trustworthy, and she even exuded a scholarly air. She was destined to be family with her!
"So it's Lord Zhang. I've long admired your name. Meeting you today, I can confirm that your reputation is well-deserved. Your demeanor is unparalleled."
She affectionately pulled Zhang Ting over; this person was naturally a supporter of her camp, and it was said that he had achieved the highest honors in the imperial examinations and was extremely famous among students. He might be able to help her win over the talents of the world in the future.
However, being good at the imperial examinations doesn't guarantee one's official position. But if my new sister-in-law possesses political acumen as great as her scholarship, then I wouldn't mind devoting all my resources to supporting her as the next prime minister.
A princess supported by the great scholars of the Wenzong era will surely win the hearts and minds of the people! Just thinking about that scene made Chen Liu's heart boil with excitement, and his attitude towards Zhang Ting became even more eager.
The fifth princess acted with perfect poise, resembling a virtuous crown princess, showing respect to the virtuous and treating others with kindness.
Therefore, after she left, Aunt Ke couldn't help but sigh in her heart, wishing that such a virtuous princess could become the next king they served.
After Chen Liu left, Zhang Ting's smile vanished instantly, and her expression turned indifferent.
Thinking of the man's purposeful gaze and his strangely enthusiastic attitude, he frowned.
Zhang Ting glanced at Aunt Ke and saw that she didn't show any surprise, as if she wasn't surprised at all. She then made up her mind.
Aunt Ke, who served the Emperor, knew; the Fifth Princess, who was devoted to the Emperor, knew; but did the Emperor himself know? Was it a sign of favor? Or did he intend to bestow upon her something extremely valuable? Or perhaps…
Zhang Ting lowered her eyes and fell into deep thought.
We had already covered most of the journey, and soon we arrived outside the Zichen Hall. The gilded plaque above us had strokes as strong as iron and a grand presence.
Aunt Ke stood respectfully outside the door, asking a palace maid to announce her arrival.
A moment later, the two tall and magnificent red lacquered wooden doors, carved with dragons, were slowly opened.
Two palace maids ushered Zhang Ting inside.
The interior of the hall was lavishly furnished, with bright yellow curtains hanging around it, making it vast, majestic, and seemingly unreachable.
Zhang Ting was led to a tent, and the maid beside him withdrew. Inside the tent, a gaunt figure could be vaguely seen leaning against the curtain, silent yet imposing.
She lowered her eyes, lifted her official robe, and kowtowed, "Your humble servant Zhang Ting, a compiler of the Hanlin Academy, pays respects to Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor!"
With her hand on the ground, she vaguely heard the sound of clothes rubbing together, followed by a series of footsteps echoing in the spacious and grand hall.
Soon after, a pair of bright yellow boots stood before Zhang Ting, embroidered with a five-clawed golden dragon soaring high, inspiring awe in all who beheld them.
Zhang Ting's eyes darkened. Before she could ponder the meaning behind Emperor Cheng Tai's actions, her hands were lifted up. She was slightly surprised, but she stood up with the help of the support.
But she kept her head down as usual, and a series of hearty laughs reached her ears. She could feel that Emperor Chengtai had looked her over.
"Are you afraid of me?" His voice was deep, revealing the imposing aura of someone who had long held a high position.
"Your humble servant dares not, for I am of limited talent and learning, of low rank and incompetent, and dare not look upon Your Majesty's countenance."
Emperor Chengtai chuckled softly twice, coaxing her to raise her head and remember the monarch she would serve for the rest of her life.
Zhang Ting raised his head and looked at the old woman in front of him. She had broad shoulders and a narrow waist, and her eyebrows and eyes were sharp. One could vaguely tell that she had been quite handsome when she was young. Then she bowed her head respectfully and said, "Your Majesty is so majestic that this humble subject trembles in his heart." But now she was clearly old and frail, yet she insisted that he should serve her for the rest of his life.
Recalling her extensive land acquisition for Taoist temples, the grand construction of the Hall of Longevity, and her favoritism towards Taoist priests, Zhang Ting was speechless. Another one yearning for immortality.
Unfortunately, she will be disappointed. Birth, aging, sickness and death are common occurrences in the world, and she is destined to shine in the next era.
"Hahaha!" Emperor Cheng Tai smiled, his eyes crinkling, and patted Zhang Ting's shoulder with great appreciation, feeling a surge of warmth in his heart. Many people flattered her, but none were as talented or beautiful as Zhang Ting, none as beautiful or talented, and none as eloquent as Zhang Ting.
But most importantly, she didn't like any of these people.
Even before the palace examination, the young man's reputation had reached her ears. He was full of vigor and high spirits. In the subsequent examinations, he overcame all obstacles and won the crown. Emperor Chengtai was very fond of this talented man.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have chosen to marry his most beloved youngest son to her.
"I heard that the five ministers got into a fight at the Hanlin Academy yesterday? Was it all for the sake of a woman?" Thinking of this, Emperor Chengtai felt both angry and amused.
In the past, only the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of War had the fiercest conflict. The two leaders had been at odds since childhood, and it was not uncommon for court officials to fight each other in court. But this time, even cautious people like Zhou Ming, old foxes like Liu Xin, and cunning people like Qiu Mu have all gotten involved.
She watched Zhang Ting quietly, feeling both pleased that her judgment had been confirmed and annoyed by the five officials' unbecoming conduct.
"Your Majesty, this matter is merely a misunderstanding. Your humble servant has been foolish and has disappointed the five ministers."
Is she dull-witted?
Emperor Chengtai burst into laughter upon hearing this, his deep laughter echoing throughout the entire hall. If even Zhang Ting, who had achieved the highest honors in the imperial examinations, was dull-witted, then no one under heaven could be considered intelligent.
Even the palace maids guarding the hall could sense their mistress's joyful mood. They couldn't help but wonder, who could so easily move His Majesty?
After laughing enough, Emperor Chengtai asked her how she felt yesterday.
Zhang Ting kept her eyes lowered, speaking with utmost humility, "Your Excellencies have treated me with such warmth that I am flattered and deeply humbled." She feared that Emperor Chengtai might dislike her for being a newcomer, which could lead to conflict among the five ministries.
“Young people are just too fragile. Since those old women love you so much, you should be more confident.” Emperor Chengtai smiled and walked to the main seat. A perceptive palace servant respectfully served him tea at the right temperature. She bent her knees, her heart filled with even greater fondness for this talented man.
The young man before her was unlike any courtier she had ever met. He was not of noble birth, but possessed an innate air of composure and dignified bearing; he had no powerful maternal clan to protect him, but was as resilient as a mountain, and his actions showed no timidity or cowardice; he was exceptionally talented in literature, gifted, and blessed with good fortune, yet he remained virtuous and indifferent to power and wealth, and was said to be served only by a nameless young poet.
Moreover, she is quite beautiful, and bringing her in as a daughter-in-law seems like a special arrangement by heaven.
However, her son's wedding will have to wait for now; she summoned Zhang Ting today because she had important matters to discuss.
"Since you achieved the highest honors in the imperial examinations and studied under that old man Zhang Shu, I have read all your policy essays and poems, which are exquisite. I imagine you are equally adept at writing other things as well."
"The Hall of Longevity is nearing completion. I have summoned you here today to have you write a few poems for me."
"Does my esteemed minister have any objections?"
Zhang Ting was still relieved that Emperor Chengtai hadn't blamed her unjustly, but the next moment she heard her assign her a heavy responsibility.
Qingci?
What good reputation could one gain from writing eulogies for the emperor?
Her lips twitched, but she quickly composed herself. Fortunately, she lowered her head so that no one could see her expression, and had no choice but to agree: "It is my great honor."
Emperor Chengtai was overjoyed and said "good" several times. He then ordered a palace maid to serve her a seat and tea, and tested her literary talent.
The emperor and his minister had a very pleasant conversation in a harmonious atmosphere. At the end, Zhang Ting took his leave.
"Your humble servant takes his leave."
Just as Zhang Ting was about to step out of the palace gate, Emperor Chengtai called out to her, "My dear minister, you saw Wu'er on the way? What do you think of her? Is she worthy of being the crown prince?"
An aged voice echoed in the hall, its tone calm as if it were just a casual question, yet it carried an invisible, profound pressure.
Zhang Ting's steps froze, and she suddenly felt a chill run down her spine.
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