Chapter 162 is now complete, the Goddess of Mercy grants a child (…)
Why is Prefect He looking for his mistress during the Lunar New Year?
Thinking of her past experiences, Zhang Ting couldn't help but feel disgusted. How could there be such a despicable woman? She maintained her composure, stood up, and went out with the clerk to greet her.
As soon as I reached the door, I bumped into someone.
She smiled warmly, her demeanor dignified and elegant. "Happy New Year, Lord He. It's kind of you to come to the yamen today."
Prefect He had been enjoying a leisurely life these past few months, and his plump figure had expanded even further. He smiled like a Maitreya Buddha, "Happy New Year, Lord Zhang! To be honest, I've come to see you today." As he spoke, he reached out to take Zhang Ting's hand, intending to get intimate with her and her sister.
Unexpectedly, she was subtly pulled away as soon as she touched the other person. Prefect He was not angry; instead, he suspected that her kidney deficiency had worsened, making it difficult for her to even touch a woman.
well!
Prefect He withdrew his hand guiltily, thinking to himself: Zhang Ting's health is really too weak. He only drank some wine to liven things up. Is it really that serious that he got so sick?
"What brings you here, Lord He?"
The clerk glanced at the two men, sensing something odd about the atmosphere. Why wouldn't Lord Zhang, usually so courteous, invite Prefect He inside? Could it be… could it be that he couldn't tolerate Prefect He's corrupt practices?
As expected, she is an upright, strict, and conscientious official, and she cannot tolerate even the slightest impurity!
Prefect He waved his hand to dismiss the clueless clerk, then pulled a memorial from his sleeve: "Ahem, I'm here to fulfill my promise. Lord Zhang has governed Zhangzhou Prefecture effectively, and I have already written the memorial requesting an official appointment for you. It will be sent to the capital later for His Majesty's review."
The disaster relief efforts are nearing completion. It's not that Prefect He is keeping her promise; she's just envious of how well Zhang Ting is governing Zhangzhou Prefecture, and she'd love to take it over for herself. However, since Zhang Ting is the Fifth Princess's man and has an unusually close relationship with Han Bingyue, she can only honestly report to her superiors.
After discussing it with Zheng Tongzhi, they realized that since they would miss out on the good soup if they left early, they might as well sell Zhang Ting out early and make a good relationship with him, as timing is also important.
Zhang Ting raised an eyebrow, wondering if Prefect He had changed his ways. Why was he so easily praising her without being envious or jealous? Was she just being petty and judging him by her own standards?
She was slightly disappointed that the dozens of plans she had prepared were not used, but she still remembered her persona and bowed to Prefect He. "As a member of Zhangzhou Prefecture and an official under your command, I am already very honored to be able to contribute my meager strength to the disaster relief cause. I dare not take credit."
Prefect He helped her up, putting on a show of harmonious superior-subordinate relations. "Lord Zhang is too modest. I was bedridden and entrusted Zhangzhou Prefecture to you. You have not disappointed me, governing Zhangzhou Prefecture in an orderly and refreshing manner. Such a remarkable achievement deserves my patronage."
Pretending to be a 'good talent scout' recommending a 'talented horse,' Zhang Ting, having been in officialdom for a long time, knows that everyone is shameless, so of course she can only be more shameless.
He showered the other party with praise from top to bottom, showering him with compliments. Prefect He felt as if he were hearing celestial music, floating on air, and was so happy that his jealousy vanished.
Once Zhang Ting is promoted from the county level, will he still have to worry about not having someone to help him achieve political success?
She smiled genuinely, "Xiao Ting, I've ordered someone to send this memorial to the capital at top speed. You should also ask the Fifth Princess and Prime Minister Gao for their help. You're sure to get this official position!" She patted Zhang Ting on the shoulder and said this.
The fifth princess? High profile?
Zhang Ting was bewildered. She had refused to marry and join the political struggle; if she remembered correctly, she must have angered these two people, right? How could she still ask them to get along?
Zhang Ting: "This humble official does not understand what you are saying."
Prefect He laughed. "Still pretending with her? Are there any other people around? It's better to be cautious."
Prefect He nodded in agreement, "Yes, yes, you don't understand. When Lord Zhang is promoted in the future, don't forget that I will also deserve some credit."
Her unwavering conviction almost led Zhang Tingzhen to believe that she was in cahoots with the Fifth Princess, Gao Xiang.
Zhang Ting had many questions in his mind, but he remained silent, only smiling slightly at Prefect He, as if everything was understood without words.
Prefect He understood perfectly. She knew it; Zhang Ting was really good at hiding his true intentions. If she hadn't had such keen eyesight, she would have been easily fooled.
After exchanging a few more words, the two parted ways, and Zhang Ting returned to the house alone, her brow furrowed.
Her fingers traced the surface of the table inch by inch, her eyes deep and dark, like an unfathomable sea.
Did they think she was part of the Fifth Princess's faction, which is why they were so respectful?
Her mind flashed back to all the little things she had done with Prefect He, and she suddenly realized what she had said, then couldn't help but laugh.
Prefect He is so intelligent and kind-hearted, we must not let her good intentions go to waste.
...
At this very moment, in Kyoto.
In a spacious and magnificent courtyard, plum trees stand tall, their cool fragrance refreshing the soul, while a blanket of white snow falls to the ground.
Zhang Shu stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the snowflakes fluttering in the sky, his cloudy and weary eyes filled with worry.
What are they worried about? What are they concerned about? It goes without saying.
Yang Fuchen quickly stepped forward and draped the thick fox fur coat over his mentor. "Xiao Si wrote that the disaster situation in Zhangzhou Prefecture has stabilized, so you don't need to worry anymore."
Zhang Shu glanced at the smooth, expensive fox fur coat on his shoulder and muttered, "They even sent it all the way here. Do I need clothes?" But he felt a warm, comforting feeling in his heart.
"Xiao Si is also showing filial piety."
Xun Han was eating heartily around the pot, saying as he ate, "I think you're just old and have too much free time. Xiao Si has a bright future ahead of him. The people of Zhangzhou Prefecture are well-fed and clothed, so why are you still worrying about the country and its people?" He then picked up a slice of mutton and put it into the pot to cook. It was fragrant, tender, and delicious.
"Do you know how expensive this fox fur coat is? The three of us sisters would work for ten years without eating or drinking to afford one. And you still complain about this filial piety! Oh my, if you gave me this, I would be laughing in my dreams!" Her family was quite well-off, but fox fur coats were not just expensive.
Wu Pingliu sat quietly without saying a word, only glancing silently at her second senior sister, thinking that she really had too many mouths.
Yang Fuchen said speechlessly, "Second Junior Sister, watch your words." Didn't you see that the teacher's face was as black as an iron pot?
Zhang Shu's eyes were sharp as a knife as he glared at his second disciple, who was stuffing his mouth with food. This unfilial disciple was a disgrace to the sect!
Xun Han, however, seemed oblivious to everything, eating leisurely and enjoying himself immensely.
However, halfway through the meal, she realized that Yang Fuchen had just lectured her, and she became furious. She threw down her chopsticks and stood up, saying, "Yang Fuchen, do I need you to teach me? Mind your own business."
As soon as he stood up, his ear was grabbed hard, sending a piercing pain through him. Xun Han was furious, but when he turned around and saw that it was Zhang Shu, he immediately backed down. "Ouch... Teacher, please be gentle... It hurts so much. This disciple knows he was wrong, ouch..."
"Weren't you very arrogant just now? Are you just bored and have nothing better to do? Hmm? Are you heartless and ungrateful, turning a blind eye to your disciple's filial piety? Hmm?" Zhang Shu said through gritted teeth. He really wanted to force-feed this bastard a bowl of mute medicine!
Xun Han winced in pain, "The last sentence was your own self-appointment, not what I said. Ouch, please let go, I really know I was wrong."
Zhang Shu's lips trembled. Having such a thing as a disciple, he felt that he was already blessed by his ancestors for not being driven to death by anger. He had nowhere to vent his anger.
Yang Fuchen quickly stepped forward to smooth things over, "Teacher, Second Junior Sister is just not good with words, she doesn't have any bad intentions."
Zhang Shu sighed and let go, glancing at Xun Han with disdain. "Disrespectful to elders, go back and copy the Three Character Classic, the Primer for Children, and the Book of Rites ten times." What a piece of trash.
She sighed and sat down in the main seat, missing her fourth disciple who was far away in Zhangzhou Prefecture. He was worldly-wise and exceptionally intelligent. She wondered if any of them had been too tactless and caused trouble for Xiaoting.
Wu Pingliu glanced around, then pushed her tea towards her teacher, suggesting she take a break and cool down.
Zhang Shu smiled and patted her head, "You're a good one too." Just the complete opposite of the second brother, she's taciturn and can't utter a word for a long time.
Zhang Shu began to worry again. Her third son was not good at speaking. If he went to the local area, how would he communicate with the locals? Wouldn't others think that she had raised a mute?
Wu Pingliu felt the warmth on her head, her cheeks flushed slightly, and she smiled shyly.
Meanwhile, Xun Han brushed past Yang Fuchen, grinding her teeth as she said, "Stop pretending to be kind. I want to see how long you can keep up this act."
Yang Fuchen sighed helplessly, "Second Junior Sister, as the senior sister, it is my duty to care for and protect you. Although you are not very likable, it is my responsibility to maintain harmony in the sect."
Xun Han laughed in anger. What did she mean by saying she was unlikable? Xiao Si clearly said that she was the most unique among the three senior sisters!
Yang Fuchen's true colors have been revealed, haven't they? He says one thing to the teacher and another behind their back, ugh!
Xun Han stared intently at her and said fiercely, "Yang Fuchen, don't try to act like a senior sister in front of me. You know what kind of person you are! Don't pretend to be a good person and fool yourself!"
"I'll keep an eye on you!" With that, he strode away.
Feeling utterly powerless, Yang Fuchen sat back down at the table. As soon as she sat down, a bowl of chicken soup was placed in front of her, its golden color and fragrant aroma filling the air.
She tilted her head back and forced a smile. "Thank you, teacher."
Zhang Shu: "You'll be taking up your post in Tongzhou Prefecture after the New Year, which is close to Xiaoting. If you have time, go visit her. She always tells us good news and hides the bad. In years of disaster and among the victims, these people are ruthless. How can governing the country and bringing peace to the people be so easy?"
Yang Fuchen had the same idea. He had been separated from Xiao Si for more than eight months, and only knew that she had swept away the epidemic, improved people's livelihoods, and governed Zhangzhou Prefecture to the point of being praised by thousands, but he did not know the specifics. He still needed to learn from her about the matter of governing the people.
"I heard that my brother-in-law is about to give birth, but we don't know if it's a boy or a girl yet. I'll set off early and bring New Year's gifts and congratulatory presents so I can write to my teacher to share the good news."
Zhang Shu had no objection and clapped his hands, laughing loudly, "Good!" With Xiao Yi's impetuous and spoiled nature, I wonder if she'll give birth to a little monkey. If that happens, things will get lively!
At this point, someone made a sarcastic remark: "Why are you so interested in Xiao Si's husband? Ha, could he be plotting something?"
The other three: "..." What a disappointment.
Yang Fuchen suppressed his anger and smiled, "I'm concerned about what Xiao Si's child will look like when it's born. Second Junior Sister, you don't know how to talk, let's eat."
Xun Han snorted heavily, "Hypocrite."
Zhang Shu was already used to his two apprentices arguing. "Eat, eat. No arguing during the New Year!"
...
After the new year began, the government offices were busy for another ten days or so, and the final work of Zhangzhou Prefecture was officially completed.
When the officials of the prefectural city learned that Zhang Ting was returning to Fengxian, they specially prepared a banquet to send her off, and even Prefect He and Assistant Prefect Zheng were present.
The banquet filled the entire government office, inside and out. All the officials were sincerely grateful to her. If it weren't for Lord Zhang's intervention to coordinate all parties and manage the disaster, their entire Zhangzhou Prefecture would have been in a terrible human tragedy.
Everyone secretly hoped she could stay in the prefectural city and continue working under her. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and the people of Fengxian needed Lord Zhang.
"My lord, Lord Zhang, I, Liu Chunhua, have never admired anyone in my life but you!" The woman dressed in the uniform of a yamen runner was drunk and came over to offer a toast, her legs swaying.
Zhang Ting raised his wine cup to toast her, and also to all his colleagues who had worked together for more than a hundred days and nights.
"During this time working with you all, Zhang Ting has gained a great deal. I would like to offer this toast to you all! May Zhangzhou Prefecture be prosperous and have a bountiful harvest every year! May all my colleagues rise to higher positions and enjoy peace and success!" With bright eyes, she tilted her head back and drank the wine in one gulp.
Prefect He, beaming, said to Assistant Prefect Zheng, "Look how different Lord Zhang's speech is, so much more imposing!"
The next instant, officials stood up one after another in front of, behind, to the left and right of them, forming a huge crowd that completely submerged the two women.
He and Zheng looked around, completely bewildered. What was going on?
But then the officials all shouted in unison, "Thank you for your blessing, Lord Zhang! We will certainly live up to your expectations! May Lord Zhang have a bright future and rise to the highest ranks of officialdom!"
The sound continued to repeat itself, echoing through the sky, creating a truly awe-inspiring scene.
Prefect He's outstretched fingers were trembling. "Am I not the head official of Zhangzhou Prefecture, the prefect of Zhangzhou Prefecture? What are these bastards doing!"
Zheng Tongzhi was equally astonished, muttering in disbelief, "In just over a hundred days, you've managed to win over the hearts and minds of everyone in the government office?" Such powerful cohesion is simply unprecedented.
Prefect He regretted his actions too late, but was also somewhat relieved. He whispered to Assistant Prefect Zheng, "Luckily, Zhang Ting is going back to Fengxian. Otherwise, if she had stayed in the prefectural city, I wouldn't have been able to sit comfortably in my position as prefect!"
Zheng Tongzhi snapped out of his reverie, paused, and reminded her, "Lord He, you just submitted a memorial a few days ago... recommending Zhang Ting to serve as the prefect of this prefecture."
Prefect He turned his head sharply: "!!!" His eyes were so terrified they almost popped out.
As for all of this, Zhang Ting had no idea. She comforted the officials and then came to say goodbye to He and Zheng. However, for some reason, Prefect He's eyes were red and he looked extremely miserable, as if he had been severely violated.
This thought sent a chill down Zhang Ting's spine, but she forced a smile and said goodbye to the two.
Zheng Tongzhi frowned, hesitated, and finally sighed, "Lord Zhang's plans are flawless, he is truly the reincarnation of Zhuge Liang, I admire him greatly."
Prefect He was even more miserable, his face contorted with grief, yet he dared not speak out against his anger. He forcefully grabbed Zhang Ting's hand, saying, "Lord Zhang, I have always been obedient to you, please don't betray my sincere heart..." Please don't be so cruel as to take away her power.
Zhang Ting forced himself to pull his hand back, feeling uncomfortable. Was this Prefect He out of his mind? What did he mean by "obedient in every way" and "sincere in his heart"? He was crazy.
Being an official is tough, and life is tough too. Sigh.
After the banquet ended, Zhang Ting immediately had Zheng Er pack their things and they rushed back to Fengxian. Who knew what madness Prefect He might cause if they stayed any longer?
The afternoon wind was cold and biting.
Zhang Ting was escorted by a group of officials to the city gate, where tens of thousands of people had gathered, a dark mass of people who had been standing there for who knows how long. Their cheeks were red from the cold in the dead of winter, their noses were running, and their bodies were shivering.
These people all came to see Zhang Ting off spontaneously.
As she rode her tall horse, she unconsciously pursed her lips. "Fellow villagers, it's freezing cold, everyone should go home!"
A group of people dressed in patched, dark brown clothes squeezed forward, holding up the New Year's goods in their hands. "Lord Zhang, these are the sausages my family just made. We haven't been able to bear eating them yet. Please take them home and try them!"
"This is the cured pork my family just smoked. Please keep it for your journey, Lord Zhang!"
"The tree is laden with oranges again, Lord Zhang. We'll pick them all for you to take with you. They're homegrown and so sweet!"
"And me...and me too..."
Zhang Ting's gaze fell on one person after another. Their faces were dark and gaunt, and their clothes were ordinary or even shabby. They had clearly just experienced drought and floods and were in dire financial straits, yet they were willing to bring her the best things from their homes.
A pang of sadness gripped her heart. She opened her mouth but couldn't say anything. She simply turned her head away and said, "I appreciate the kindness of my fellow villagers. We'll meet again someday. Take care, everyone!" With that, she spurred her horse and rode off.
Zheng Er was stunned for a moment, then whipped his whip and followed.
The people didn't react at first, and by the time they set off to chase after him, Lord Zhang had already run a long way.
"My lord! My lord! Lord Zhang!!"
"Have a safe journey, we will never forget your kindness!"
With tears in their eyes, the people gazed intently at that tall and graceful figure, extremely reluctant to let her go.
Lord Zhang is the guardian deity who descended from heaven to protect Zhangzhou Prefecture.
Although they only stayed for a brief moment, it was enough for them to remember it for a lifetime.
...
Night fell quietly, and Zhang Ting, Zheng Er, and the others stayed at an inn.
The moon is exceptionally round and bright tonight, illuminating everything in the courtyard clearly.
Zhang Ting sat alone on the steps, feeling the cold wind blowing on her; she felt the room was a bit too hot.
Zheng Er yawned as he came out to get up in the middle of the night. He saw his boss sitting alone outside and immediately snapped out of his daze, quickly walking over to him.
"Why are you sitting here?" Zheng Er sat down next to her, and couldn't help but shiver in the cold night wind.
"Perhaps there's a touch of homesickness in him," Zhang Ting said, tilting her head slightly to ask, "Zheng Er, you've been away for so long, do you miss home?"
Zheng Er exhaled a breath of hot air. She had been away from home for almost two years. "I miss my husband and children. I wonder how tall Xiaoyue has grown?" But for some reason, she felt that her employer was not feeling apprehensive about returning home.
She asked, "Is the master troubled by what happened during the day?"
Zhang Ting paused for a moment, opened her mouth and then closed it again, finally saying to her, "I just don't understand. Their family is so poor that they can't even afford to eat, yet they still give me their most valuable possessions. Even if they give them to me, I won't repay them with anything more valuable. What's the point of all this?"
This question has been troubling her for a long time. She had encountered a group of people who brought her gifts in Lvtian County before, but she was puzzled and kept her doubts to herself. She never expected that they would come to her again today, as if they wanted her to find the answer.
Zheng Er looked at the blank expression on her face and felt strange for a moment. He couldn't help but laugh out loud. His boss, who was usually shrewd and domineering, was now like a simple and ignorant child.
Zheng Er crossed his arms and looked at her with a smile, "I've known you for over five years, and you truly are a very special person. Intelligent, unparalleled in your time, rational, astute, gentle, tolerant, kind, and concerned for the people. Such a radiant person saved the entire Zhangzhou Prefecture; what's a little food to you?"
“Master, I once said I would protect you with my life, without regret. This is no joke.”
It was clear that Zheng Er's words were exactly what she wanted to achieve, but Zhang Ting remained stunned for a long time.
She looked up at the sky, remained silent for a long while, then suddenly her whole face broke into a smile. It was precisely because she had too much free time that she had time to be melancholic and sentimental.
Zhang Ting stood up and shook her head, she must have been infected by Zong Suyi.
"Let's go back to the house and rest. Tomorrow's journey won't be easy." Halfway there, she suddenly turned around, raised her eyebrows and smiled, "Tongzhou Prefecture and Zhangzhou Prefecture are close by, so go back and bring your husband and children here."
"Alright!" Zheng Er patted the dust off his bottom and followed closely behind her.
Zhang Ting stretched and went into the room, lying on the dry bed with her hands behind her head. She wondered when her precious child would be born, and whether he would look like her or Zong Suyi.
Although she always says she'd love even if Zong Suyi gave birth to a monkey, as a mother, she still hopes her child will look like a human being.
She has already thought of a name that is suitable for both men and women.
The night grew deeper, and the wind howled against the window. Zhang Ting's eyes gradually closed, and she drifted into a deep sleep...
Amidst the chattering in her ears, Zhang Ting groggily opened her eyes, only to be met with a sea of red.
Is this a new house? But wasn't she already married?
"Bride, you may lift your veil now," the wedding officiant said, waving his handkerchief with a swaying hip gesture. "Don't keep the groom waiting!"
Zhang Ting glanced to the side, where a man sat upright, fidgeting and seemingly very anxious. "My lady, quickly lift the veil!" Judging from the voice, it was indeed Zong Suyi.
"Xiaoyi, aren't we already married?"
"Quickly, lift the lid!"
Ah, Zong Suyi seems angry? Why the rush to the bridal chamber? Although puzzled by the situation, Zhang Ting numbly thought, let's just treat it as a second marriage.
She took the auspicious scale from Xi Gong's hand and lifted it up. When she glanced at it, she was so frightened that she almost fell to the ground.
Why is there a Guanyin statue granting children under the veil?!
The Guanyin of Fertility opened and closed her mouth, and Zong Suyi burst into hearty laughter: "Hehehe, you heartless old fool, you've finally met your match!"
Zhang Ting held her face in disbelief, "My husband has turned into a goddess of fertility..." How could this be? Although she often acted irrationally, surely God wouldn't treat her like this!
The Goddess of Mercy gave a coquettish snort and poked her shoulder with her finger, "Who told you not to come home? My baby hasn't been born in three years!"
What kind of baby requires a three-year pregnancy? Nezha?
Zhang Ting lowered her head blankly, and the originally flat belly of the Guanyin statue was growing bigger and bigger at a visible speed.
She was so shocked that her eyes almost popped out of their sockets, and she fainted from lack of breath.
A rooster crows outside the window to announce the dawn, and everything is covered in white.
Zhang Ting was terrified by the nightmare and broke out in a cold sweat, rubbing her heavy forehead to catch her breath.
What a strange dream, it was really scary.
After a long silence, she suddenly sat up straight, her eyes wide open.
Zong Suyi won't be able to give birth, will she?!
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