Chapter 150 He Zheng came here, promising a promotion (...
Zong Suyi was furious.
Zhang Ting is a complete bastard, a liar, and a treacherous villain!
He cursed inwardly while his hands kept moving, finishing one planning document after another.
He was appointed as the acting headmaster of the academy, but he wasn't told that the academy was nonexistent. Students? No students. From the reconstruction of the academy and the enrollment plan, to the number of workers, the construction blueprints, and the meal arrangements, everything, absolutely everything, had to be arranged and managed by him alone.
Furthermore, the construction and enrollment of the academy had to be completed before the beginning of winter. He was so busy every day that he barely had time to breathe, let alone go to Zhang Ting's side to beat up the little vixen. He barely even had time to drink water or go to the toilet.
Zong Suyi was on the verge of tears as she wrote until her hand ached. She knew she shouldn't have agreed so readily. That bastard had made so many promises to her. Before, she only thought he was gentle and considerate, but now she realized he was like a weasel offering New Year's greetings to a chicken—he had no good intentions!
He stopped to rest for a while, rubbed his fingers, then leaned back in his chair listlessly, hugging his belly and chatting with his baby.
"Little darling, your mother is so mean. Your father got tricked so badly."
"Brutal, shameless, and utterly depraved; they even exploit pregnant men!"
After finishing his rant, he sat up straight and continued writing and drawing. He had to finish this document before dusk so he could show it to his deadbeat husband and see if it was up to standard.
The evening meal was prepared by the newly hired maid; it was light, sweet, and brought out the true flavors of the dishes. Zong Suyi thought it was better than what Du Zaolang had made before. Speaking of Du Zaolang, he was very angry. His family was kind and gentle in managing their servants, never beating or scolding them. But when his wife was in trouble, they all ran away without a trace, showing no gratitude whatsoever.
Zhang Ting pushed a bowl of bird's nest soup towards him, saying, "Parting and reunion are common occurrences in life, my lord, please don't be saddened by this."
Zong Suyi pouted, feeling sorry for her. "Originally, everyone was made into government slaves, and we kindly redeemed them secretly. But when they heard the news that you were demoted, they refused to go with you no matter what. It was all for naught, and they didn't get a single benefit."
“Manager Wang of Keyinglou is much more considerate than these people. You’re not even a proper owner and you’re in trouble with all sorts of lawsuits, but not only are you not afraid, you even sent your daughter Jin Suo over to be our little darling’s playmate.”
"It's all about self-interest, what's so interesting or meaningless about it?" Zhang Ting said expressionlessly, picking up a piece of green vegetable with his chopsticks, his movements mechanical. Sigh, that new kitchen maid is so clueless, so focused on pleasing her husband that she's neglecting her master.
Zong Suyi chuckled. "That little girl is from Yingzhou Prefecture. The food there is light and bland. She wouldn't know how to cook those spicy dishes that could be torture." He gestured with his lips and deliberately put some vegetables in her bowl. "A light diet is good for your health. My wife, you're getting older, and your energy and strength are waning. You should pay more attention to health and nourishment."
Feeling powerless? Zhang Ting gave a cold laugh, gritting his teeth and humming twice.
Zong Suyi was pleased to see her get the short end of the stick, but he didn't dare to completely provoke her, so he quickly tried to smooth things over: "But a little bit is good for the soul. As your husband, I naturally found a chef to teach her how to cook spicy dishes." He had learned the hard way that he had driven Zhang Ting to her wits' end.
That's more like it.
Zhang Ting was in a good mood and didn't bother arguing with him. "Manager Wang hasn't been working at Keyinglou since the beginning of this month. I recommended her to my teacher's nephew." Keyinglou is now completely under Prime Minister Gao's control. If Manager Wang were still there, she wouldn't dare leave her daughter as a playmate for Xiao Guai.
Although they were called playmates, Wang Jinshuo's indenture was actually given to them.
This is Manager Wang's sincerity in surrendering to her.
Zong Suyi racked her brains for a while before remembering who Zhang Ting's cousin was. She poked her in annoyance and said, "Why don't you just say it's Aunt Zhang Sheng? Why are you beating around the bush with me?"
"Hurry up and eat, then help me with the documents."
He lowered his head and touched his round belly, then pinched his nose and picked up the bowl of bird's nest soup next to him and drank it. The smell of these tonics made him nauseous, but the baby needed nutrition.
These bland dishes were unappetizing, and Zhang Ting finished them in a few bites. Then her husband pulled her into the study and dragged her to his designated workstation.
Zong Suyi presented the stack of planning documents she had worked on all afternoon to her. "How is it? Is it feasible?" Her eyes were bright, eagerly anticipating praise from her.
Zhang Ting analyzed and checked each point for him, her points clear, logical, and quite feasible. She nodded, turned the page, and continued reading, then suddenly burst out laughing.
Zong Suyi was puzzled. "What's wrong? Is something unreasonable?" She was extremely uneasy.
Zhang Ting pointed to a sentence in the document and laughed at him, "Young master, you're not doing a good job as dean."
Zong Suyi stared blankly for a moment, then leaned over to take a look and immediately blushed deeply. He had actually written down what he had said about scolding Zhang Ting that afternoon!
"My lord is so half-hearted when it comes to official duties." She shook her head and sighed.
Zong Suyi's ears turned as red as blood agate. He stammered and couldn't explain himself clearly for a long time. He was so embarrassed that he snatched the document back.
He felt guilty and didn't dare to look up at her, stammering, "You... just tell me if it's feasible?" He was filled with remorse; how could he have written that sentence down? Oh God!
He couldn't help but raise one eye slightly to peek at her expression. Was his wife... not angry?
Zhang Ting changed her expression, feigning sadness, "I'm a little sad. It turns out that in my husband's heart, I am a treacherous villain."
Zong Suyi immediately panicked, rushed over and hugged her tightly, and hurriedly explained, "No, no, my wife, in my heart you are the best woman in the world. These, these... I wrote them in a moment of madness, don't take them seriously."
She still looked very sad, her eyelids drooping and her spirits low, as if she had been deeply hurt.
When Zong Suyi got anxious, she couldn't help but make a foolish mistake, digging her own grave by telling Zhang Ting that she wanted to make amends to her.
Zhang Ting still looked listless, but she quietly perked up her ears.
He whispered a few words in her ear, then buried his head in her chest, his neck turning bright red with embarrassment.
Zhang Ting couldn't help but feel embarrassed when she heard this. How could this be? They were an old married couple, but... this was too shameful!
She didn't know where Zong Suyi found out, but she felt as if a scorching hot stone was buried on her body. She reached out and tried to push him away, but he seemed to be stuck to her and she couldn't push him away at all.
Never mind, it's cool in autumn, so it won't be hot even if I stick it on.
But why did her face also start to feel hot?
...
A major event occurred in Fengxian County—Prefect He and Assistant Prefect Zheng from the prefectural city arrived.
Initially, the two men, fearing that Zhang Ting was exaggerating his achievements, sneaked in to investigate. After admiringly touring the streets, they furtively climbed the wall to watch the people eat. Just as they were about to head to the county government office, they were caught by the vigilant villagers, tied up, and taken to the court.
Zhang Ting had just finished bathing and was preparing to sleep with her husband when a minor official came to report that a lecherous thief had broken out in the county. Helpless, she had no choice but to put her official robes back on and head to the courtroom with a blank face.
Zong Suyi caught her laughing again, and Zhang Ting chuckled twice, "My lord, you should check carefully, lest I find you cursing in the documents again."
Speaking of this, Zong Suyi was both ashamed and angry, glaring at her with intense hatred.
That heartless bastard! Last time she put on such a convincing act that she tricked him into selling himself. Zong Suyi couldn't help but recall the scene from that time. The sweltering heat seemed to still linger around him, the overflowing fluids, and the incessant moans echoing in his ears. He quickly covered his flushed face and weakly urged, "You should go quickly. People outside are getting impatient."
Zhang Ting raised an eyebrow, then shook his head, before stepping straight out of the room. He had been quite proactive when they were doing business that day, and he hadn't seemed this embarrassed at all.
In the courtroom.
Zhang Ting stared at the two men who were tied up and thrown to the ground. She stroked her chin and pondered: These two lecherous thieves look strangely familiar. I feel like I've seen them somewhere before.
When Prefect He and Assistant Prefect Zheng saw her, their eyes lit up. Their mouths, which had been gagged, began to whimper and wriggle like maggots, snuggling up to her with pitiful expressions.
Zhang Ting was shocked and quickly stepped back, fearing that she would get involved with the two men.
She retreated behind the desk, staring at them warily and with disgust. "Say what you have to say, don't try to get close to me."
The two men were making muffled noises, their indistinct voices revealing a deep sorrow.
Ah, their mouths are still gagged. Zhang Ting was embarrassed and hurriedly ordered the constables to pull the cloths out of their mouths.
As soon as their mouths were freed, one of them cried and complained to her, "Lord Zhang, are all the people in your Fengxian brothel unruly? They beat me as soon as they saw me and tied me up like this. Please untie me!"
Another person said, "Lord Zhang, is there any food left in the county office? Lord He and I arrived in such a hurry that we haven't eaten yet, and we're starving."
Confused, Zhang Ting took two steps forward, holding a lantern to carefully observe the two men's faces. The night was dark, and she struggled to recognize them. She greeted them warmly, "So it's Prefect He and Assistant Prefect Zheng! My apologies! I'll have the food prepared immediately. Guards, quickly untie these two gentlemen!"
Suspicious, he thought: What is that perverted Prefect He doing sneaking off to Fengxian in the middle of the night? Could it be that he's still harboring designs on her?
Her stomach was churning, and her face darkened. If it really was her, she would definitely give the other party a good 'welcome'.
Under the cover of night, no one noticed Zhang Ting's unusual behavior. After a short while, she put on a smiling face and invited the two officials to sit down for a meal. As the hostess, she stayed by their side and apologized to them on behalf of the people.
“Recently, the epidemic in the surrounding area has been rampant, and the people are finding it difficult to be wary of outsiders. Lord He and Lord Zheng, please forgive me. I, Zhang Ting, offer you this tea instead of wine as an apology.” She raised her cup and said this.
Although the two were still furious and wished they could give those troublemakers who had offended them a good beating, they were already in Zhang Ting's territory and needed her to do something, so they naturally had to give her face.
Prefect He was the first to respond with a smile, "Lord Zhang, you're too kind. Ignorance is no excuse. This is a trivial matter, and I'm not a petty person. What's there to fuss about?"
“Lord He is right. Since Lord Zhang’s situation is all a misunderstanding, let’s pretend nothing happened,” said Zheng Tongzhi.
"Rest assured, my lords, no one but Ting will know of your arrival in Fengxian." Zhang Ting smiled faintly, then asked, "May I ask what brings you to Fengxian?"
He and Zheng breathed a sigh of relief, then thought to themselves: Of course, it's to save their lives!
Two hours earlier, the two had entered Fengxian to investigate, only to be astonished by the tremendous changes that had taken place. Along the way, they saw villagers pushing stones, and when asked what they were for, they heard an unbelievable piece of news—Fengxian had also built a new academy, and the stones were for paving the roads to the academy.
The local people were radiant and full of energy, even looking more spirited than those in the prefectural city. The two secretly went to the houses to investigate. Every household had a bowl filled with a mixture of coarse and fine grains, about seven-tenths full. Although there was little fish or meat on the table, there was no shortage of radishes and green vegetables.
The two looked at each other in bewilderment: "!" In this year of famine, they are eating better than the people of the prefectural city?
Zheng Tongzhi pulled He Zhifu into an alley and whispered, "Lord He, where did Zhang Ting get the grain and bricks? The whole county has built brick houses, eats fine grains, and officials and people are living in harmony. This is too exaggerated, isn't it?"
Prefect He pondered for a moment, "Do you think it's possible that... she asked that person in the capital for it? She's from Tongzhou Prefecture, so it's understandable that she has a good relationship with them, and then she quietly transported it from Tongzhou Prefecture to Fengxian?"
"Yes, yes, Lord He, you are truly a genius! I am in awe!" Zheng Tongzhi agreed.
“Since Zhang Ting has a close relationship with the Fifth Princess Gao Xiang, and those two are very influential figures in the capital, especially Gao Xiang, who is rolling in money, the rationing of Zhangzhou Prefecture will definitely not be a problem. Why don’t we entrust Zhangzhou Prefecture to her? This way, the people can save their lives and Zhang Ting can also have a good reputation,” Zheng Tongzhi chuckled and suggested.
"Besides, didn't you also personally support Fengxian back then? It's time for Zhang Ting to repay that favor."
She secretly rejoiced, thinking that once she handed over this huge burden of blame, her life would be saved. As for whether Zhang Ting could catch the brunt of the blame and avoid being crushed, that depended on her luck.
Prefect He was now at his wits' end and had no time to worry about offending Zhang Ting afterward. He quickly nodded, "Lord Zheng is right. Let's go find Zhang Ting and discuss this matter!"
However, as soon as the two stepped out of the alley, they were surrounded by a group of fierce-looking people.
The man in the lead pointed a kitchen knife at them, saying, "It's her! She was peeping at my husband while he was taking a bath!"
Zheng Tongzhi looked at He Zhifu in shock, his eyes saying nothing more than, 'Lord He, we're in dire straits, and you're still thinking about women?'
Prefect He explained, "It's not what you think. I was just going to..." Just then, the husband of that family came out to see the crowd denouncing the hooligan. He even glared at him angrily. His clever little face made Prefect He's heart tremble and his eyes widen.
What else is there to say? The evidence is irrefutable! Enraged, the crowd surrounded the two men and gave them a severe beating before binding them and sending them to the county government office.
And then, well, we all know what happened next.
Having been relieved of the title of 'lecherous thief', Magistrate Zheng adopted a solemn expression and spoke first, "The flood has receded but the plague has spread, and this is a chaotic world of suffering and death. Zhangzhou Prefecture is in imminent danger. Lord Zhang, I have long admired your virtuous reputation and the love of the people. I wonder if you are willing to save the thousands of people of Zhangzhou from this disaster?"
Prefect He touched his slightly sore eyes and solemnly said, "Lord Zhang, I know you are a person of noble character and love the people like your own children. That is why I am willing to give you this opportunity to make a name for yourself. I hope you will cherish it and treat it with care."
If they were truly virtuous ministers and generals willing to go through fire and water for the country and its people, they would have already kowtowed to their superiors and accepted the mission.
However, Zhang Ting is completely different.
After a moment's thought, she realized what they were really up to. Coming to her at this critical moment was just an attempt to pin a huge and heavy burden on her. She sneered inwardly, cursing these two treacherous dogs for their inhumanity.
But Zhang Ting maintained a gentle and amiable demeanor, humbly declining: "I am honored by your kindness, but I know that my knowledge is shallow and I am afraid that I am not capable of undertaking such a great responsibility."
How could I refuse?
Prefect He advised, "Why be modest, Lord Zhang? I can see that you have governed Fengxian very well and are fully capable of taking on this important task." This was true; in just a few hours, it was clear that Zhang Ting was extremely skilled in governing the people, and she also had close ties with the capital. Prefect He believed that she had the ability and resources to resolve the crisis in Zhangzhou Prefecture, which was one reason.
As for the second reason, it was just as Zheng Tongzhi thought: even if things really didn't go well and Zhangzhou Prefecture collapsed, there was still Zhang Ting above them to help them. They could be considered as having failed to manage their subordinates properly, so they wouldn't be subjected to confiscation of property and execution.
Zheng Tongzhi: "Yes, Lord Zhang, your abilities are evident to both me and Lord He. This investigation was to test your capabilities. After our assessment, you are fully capable of taking charge of the disaster relief efforts in Zhangzhou Prefecture."
Fearing she hadn't used enough force, she quickly added fuel to the fire: "Lord Zhang, don't waste any more time. If you delay your response even a moment, a commoner might lose their life. Everyone says you care about the people and have pity on the poor. You certainly can't bear to see innocent people die tragically, right?"
However, Magistrate Zheng was about to be disappointed. Any kind and upright virtuous person would have felt guilty and readily agreed to her request, but the person she was dealing with was Zhang Ting.
Zhang Ting only appears to be a good person.
Zhang Ting not only didn't respond, but also smiled with relief, "The people of Zhangzhou Prefecture are governed by a pillar of the state like Lord He, and they also have a capable and virtuous minister like Lord Zheng to assist Lord He in governing Zhangzhou Prefecture. Moreover, Zhangzhou Prefecture is full of talented people. I am just a fledgling, and I have no qualifications to participate in such an important matter."
She walked to the table, poured two cups of tea, and handed them to the two men. "I am only a humble official, and I am fortunate enough to be able to keep up with you and manage Fengxian reasonably well."
These words choked Zheng Tongzhi's words. "This official..." Did he have to say that they were incompetent and completely unable to handle the situation?
Even if she could bend and admit that she was all show and no substance, could she really drag Prefect He into it and say that the higher-ups were also incompetent?
Zheng Tongzhi felt as if his fist had hit cotton, not only having no effect but also leaving him choked and unable to get up.
As for Prefect He, things were even more complicated. She opened and closed her mouth repeatedly, wanting to confront Zhang Ting head-on, but fearing the power behind her and the possibility of losing more than she gained.
Prefect He and Assistant Prefect Zheng exchanged a glance, both seeing a sense of helplessness in each other's eyes.
Who said Zhang Ting was a kind and benevolent person? Bah! She's clearly a tough nut to crack.
But if anyone had the ability to resolve the crisis in Zhangzhou Prefecture, Prefect He couldn't think of anyone other than Zhang Ting. She was really unwilling to give up and was so anxious that she paced around in circles.
Suddenly, a bold idea flashed through her mind, and she turned her head sharply. "Lord Zhang, after this is done, I will grant you a promotion of three ranks and appoint you as the prefect of this prefecture. You will enjoy endless glory and wealth!" It just so happens that the original prefect had retired to his hometown this year, and the new transfer order had not yet been issued.
Zheng Tongzhi was dumbfounded. A promotion of three ranks? She even wondered if there was something wrong with her ears.
She worked hard for more than 20 years, using any means necessary to squeeze out many colleagues, before finally getting the position of a fifth-rank official. Now, a newcomer who has just graduated is almost on par with her.
Prefect He became more and more excited as he spoke, "As long as you agree, I can immediately write a memorial to commend you and request an official title for you, and then submit it to His Majesty after the matter is accomplished!"
She even felt that she was killing two birds with one stone. If it succeeded, she would be safe and sound, and with the Fifth Princess and Prime Minister Gao helping Zhang Ting to get credit, she would have established a connection with them; if it failed, Zhang Ting would be the scapegoat, so what did it have to do with her?
The saying that opportunity and danger coexist is indeed true.
Faced with enormous profits, Zhang Ting was indeed tempted.
However, she still had some concerns. Although Prefect He was in charge of Zhangzhou Prefecture, promotion and demotion were not solely her decision; it depended on His Majesty's judgment.
"Putting aside other matters, I am a man of shallow experience. Even if I am fortunate enough to govern Zhangzhou Prefecture well, how could I possibly be promoted three ranks in a row? Lord He, please do not mention this matter again." It was not that he was really afraid that he was not qualified enough to be promoted, but mainly that Zhang Ting had recently offended Emperor Chengtai, and she was also at odds with the Fifth Princess and Prime Minister Gao. If her name was reported now to request a promotion, would it be possible?
When Prefect He heard her mention this, he found it quite strange. Zhang Ting had such a powerful backer in the capital, so why would she be afraid that no one would speak up for her in front of the Emperor?
She frowned deeply. Could it be... that Prefect He has realized something? Zhang Ting really went to great lengths to avoid being labeled as part of the 'Fifth Princess's faction'!
But her seemingly foolproof scheme was seen through by her own cleverness. Alas! Old foxes are indeed shrewd.
Prefect He fully cooperated with Zhang Ting's "performance" and even promised, "Lord Zhang, there is no need to worry. I have people in the capital who can help me. Since I can make a promise, I will definitely keep my word."
Zhang Ting turned to look at her. Did Prefect He still have people in the capital? If he really did, then why was Xu Pin still being ostracized by the court so miserably after Xu Pin left?
Why doesn't she believe it?
But that doesn't matter. An opportunity has already been presented to Zhang Ting, and even if it's just a tiny bit, she will do her best to seize it.
Although she had already made up her mind, she did not back down. "My lords, there is no need to say more. Fame and fortune are fleeting. Even if I were to remain a county magistrate of Fengxian for the rest of my life, I would be willing."
Zheng Tongzhi was shocked by her determination. She was willing to be a lowly seventh-rank official for the rest of her life? Zhang Ting was the wife of a top scholar who had passed the imperial examinations three times in a row and was exceptionally talented! Did she not care about the slightest bit of fame and fortune?
Prefect He was also unsure of how things would unfold. Even fame and fortune couldn't sway her? What could possibly win her over…? “Lord Zhang, you are mistaken. You say you'd be willing to be a county magistrate for life, but do you know that if Zhangzhou Prefecture suffers a calamity, Fengxian County will certainly not fare any better?”
Sure enough, she saw a crack in Zhang Ting's face and added fuel to the fire: "In chaotic times, where is there a true paradise? Lord Zhang, the people of the entire Zhangzhou Prefecture need you!"
Seeing that success was imminent, Prefect He pleaded with her relentlessly until he finally convinced her.
"Since you two gentlemen have extended such a sincere invitation and hold the court in such high regard, I will certainly do my utmost to comply and live up to your expectations!"
Prefect He breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing her agree, "Excellent! Excellent! It is truly a blessing for Zhangzhou Prefecture to have Lord Zhang to handle the disaster."
"Lord He is absolutely right. Lord Zhang, rest assured, once you come to the prefectural city to take charge of the overall situation, we will definitely clear away all obstacles for you!"
Zhang Ting smiled faintly and agreed. She spoke with the two women for a while, then escorted them to their rooms to rest. She also arranged to go to the prefectural city with them the next day. Only then did she leisurely return to her courtyard, but the smile on her face froze.
At this moment, the bright moon shines over a thousand miles, and the surroundings are peaceful and serene. The view is filled with deep black and white, empty, silent, and oppressive, giving one the illusion of being in the underworld.
Everything around her was chilling; Zhang Ting felt cold all over and got goosebumps.
"Hurry up and come back! I've been waiting for so long!" came a coquettish complaint.
She suddenly looked up and couldn't help but smile, "Coming, right away!" She ran over in a few steps, touched his hand, "Why didn't you put on a robe? It's especially cold tonight."
Zong Suyi actually felt fine, but he poked her back resentfully and said with a pout, "It's all someone's fault for abandoning her husband and not coming back in the middle of the night."
"Alright, alright, let's go back now!" She put her arm around his shoulder and walked straight inside.
"That's more like it. Let me tell you, Xiaoguai just threw a tantrum again. I was already asleep, but he kept tossing and turning and woke me up again."
"This little brat is really going too far, staying up all night and disturbing his father! Once he's born, I'll teach him a lesson for you."
Zong Suyi covered her mouth and chuckled, "Why are you arguing with a child?" She couldn't help but snuggle closer to her.
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