Chapter 164 Welcoming the illegal workers, boldly moving forward...
Joy and pleasure are always fleeting. Zhang Ting only stayed at home for one day before the county magistrate asked him to leave.
Fengxian's development was steady, improving day by day, but it was not without its challenges.
For example, the brick and tile kiln is such a lucrative business that it attracts the covetous eyes of surrounding counties.
The officials and common people of the neighboring county, having benefited from Zhang Ting's favor, were too ashamed to try and take it from him, but the merchants, driven by profit, were unwilling to give up this lucrative opportunity.
Intimidated by Zhang Ting's power, they dared not confront him directly, so they secretly spent a lot of money to bribe female workers in the brick kiln to steal the formula.
But Zhang Cunsan, the head of the kiln workers, was not easily fooled. He quickly caught the traitor and, together with his sisters, gave the merchants and their gang a sound beating.
"Stop hitting me! I'm getting hit! Ouch!" The group, led by the merchant, cried out in pain as they were being beaten.
Zhang Cunsan kicked her in the stomach, baring his teeth, "You son of a bitch, I told you to steal!" Still not satisfied, he kicked her again, "Don't you know whose things you're stealing!"
She didn't let the traitor off the hook either. The two of them used their strength to throw the bound traitor out, and Zhang Cun San kicked him, cursing through clenched teeth, "You traitorous dog! I'll teach you a lesson today!"
"Village Three, I was wrong, I was wrong! I was bewitched for a moment! Please don't take me to see the officials!"
Nearby, the merchant, seeing the others being beaten and howling in pain, threatened, "You're fighting in private? I'd like to ask the local magistrate how he governs the people!"
"Oh dear~ You still want to question our county matriarch?" Zhang Cun San laughed, ordered his men to lift the merchant up, and punched her hard in the stomach. The merchant cried out in pain and curled up all over.
Having spent years mingling in the streets, Zhang Cun had mastered the art of fighting. Although his blows were heavy, there wasn't a single visible mark. Not to mention a doctor examining the wounds, even the imperial physician wouldn't be able to tell the difference.
Zhang Cun San snorted coldly and called to the sisters, "Drag these bastards up to see the county magistrate!" She was furious at the moment, and she almost let these beasts succeed. If they had, how could she face the county magistrate?
Fearing that there might be another traitor among her sisters, she glared at them and warned sternly, "I'm going to take these bastards to the county office and behead them. I will never allow such scum to appear again!"
Upon hearing the word "beheading," the crowd trembled in fear and shouted, "Kill the scoundrels! Kill the traitors!" Nothing, not even gold bars or silver ingots, was as important as the head on their necks.
Zhang Cun San was very satisfied. He nodded and swaggered off to the county government office to claim credit. It was as if a big tail was sweeping behind him, and he couldn't contain his joy.
They're just waiting for the county magistrate to praise her.
The merchant was writhing in pain, and upon hearing these words, his face turned as white as paper.
Beheading?
Are the local people really this fierce? If you fail to steal, you'll be beheaded!
The traitor and the merchant gang were dragged to the county government office, crying and wailing, repeatedly saying they had been bewitched and begging Zhang Cun San to forgive them...
This is the scene Zhang Ting witnessed. The merchants and their group wept bitterly, filled with remorse, while the traitor slapped himself and cried out that he was ungrateful and worse than a pig or a dog.
Zhang Cunsan, standing to the side, was still stirring things up: "Madam County Magistrate, chop off the heads of these bastards! Let them know what's what."
Zhang Ting clutched her forehead in anguish, thinking, "This person is completely ignorant of the law."
Zheng Er suppressed a laugh and secretly approached Zhang Cun San, telling her that these people would at most be imprisoned for one or two years.
Zhang Cun San: "!" Oh no, I spoke too soon. But the rogue's skin was as thick as a city wall; even though she knew she had made a mistake, she still stood there proudly and confidently.
It's a minor issue and doesn't affect her excellence.
Zheng Er, on the contrary, thought more highly of her; although she was illiterate, she had a broad mind.
Both sides explained the truth: the merchant was from the neighboring Li County, and seeing that the brick and tile kiln was a lucrative business, he couldn't help but have evil intentions.
"Lord Zhang, please spare my life, for I have elderly parents and young children to support!" The merchant was filled with remorse. In the past, when she had done this to Teng in a neighboring county, even if she was caught, she would only be fined a small amount of money and that would be the end of it. Who would have thought that getting involved with Fengxian would mean being dragged away to be beheaded?
Zhang Cunsan jumped out and berated her: "You know you have elderly parents and young children to support? Humph! Don't you know that your whole family's lives were saved by Lord Zhang? Without her, it's hard to say whether your family would even be alive! And now you're stealing the brick kiln's formula, you heartless bastard!"
The merchant was so embarrassed by the scolding that he couldn't lift his head again.
In reality, no losses were caused. Zhang Ting should have sentenced the men in the courtroom to prison according to the law, but since the county urgently needed manpower for road construction, she decided to send them to work as illegal laborers instead.
"Considering that this is your first offense and that you have sincerely repented, I will show leniency. I sentence Liu Ping, Zheng Ke, and five others to five years of hard labor, without parole or commutation." The county requires roads to be well-connected, which will take about six months to a year. However, there are other projects in the pipeline... building repairs, new city walls, construction work, etc., which will take about five years to complete.
These people are in their prime, and they don't even need to be paid monthly. They're practically the chosen ones for working!
Furthermore, Zhang Ting felt she still had some conscience by sending them to work in construction projects. Five years later, they would be well-versed in a skill and able to find employment directly. How wonderful!
The merchants, who had thought they were going to die, were overjoyed to be sentenced to only five years of hard labor. They exclaimed, "We thank you, Your Honor, for your leniency! We will never forget your kindness!"
Zhang Ting raised an eyebrow. See? She really is a good person. Everyone's thanking her.
"Your repentance and reformation are the greatest reward for me. Now go." She rose and slowly left, her expression solemn and dignified. She walked through the crowd, unapproachable and awe-inspiring, just like the upright and benevolent official in a theatrical play.
Zhang Cun San glared contemptuously at the kneeling men, then stood tall and followed Zhang Ting. "You bastards, your worst is yet to come!"
Zheng Er suppressed a laugh and followed closely behind.
The merchants, dejected, knelt on the ground, sighing and feeling both relieved and fortunate. They had been unlucky to have come to a place known for its fierce and unruly people, but thankfully, Lord Zhang was discerning and kind-hearted, sparing their lives.
Fortunately, we met Lord Zhang.
...
The wind and snow swirled, the earth howled, and a refreshing, cool fragrance drifted in from outside the window.
This is always the scene in Kyoto during winter.
Zhang Shu smoothed out the slightly wrinkled paper, his smile lines at the corners of his eyes deepening. He couldn't help but pick up the letter and read it again before finally putting it back into the envelope with satisfaction.
My beloved student and my old friend's grandson have been married for almost five years, and they have finally had a son.
She was pleased for two reasons: first, that Xiaoting had a successor; and second, that her old friend's bloodline could continue.
Thinking this, my eyes involuntarily welled up with tears.
What's this child's name again? It's Zhang Shile. He must be a cheerful and lively child.
She sat alone in a corner, wiping away her tears with her sleeve. It took her a long time to stand up; she had an appointment with a friend that afternoon.
Zhang Shu straightened her clothes and walked outside the courtyard, then suddenly stopped. She was afraid that going alone would be beneath her dignity, so she needed to find a presentable attendant.
Who should I contact?
The lower-ranking maids and servants are timid and illiterate; if they encounter difficulties, they may not be able to cope.
Her gaze involuntarily shifted to the three apprentices who were composing and painting in the pavilion in front of her. She carefully examined them and found that they were handsome, talented, and of humble official rank, making them excellent candidates to accompany her!
Zhang Shu smiled and called her third disciple over. "Third disciple, you will accompany me to a private discussion." Among her many disciples, this one was the most mute and had an ordinary relationship with Xiao Ting, so there was no need to worry about her leaking information.
Wu Pingliu quickly put away his pen and ink, obediently walked over, and followed his teacher without saying a word or making a move.
Zhang Shu was extremely satisfied, thinking to himself that even a mute person has their advantages, and that he had truly made good use of his talent.
Watching the two figures disappear into the distance, Xun Han stroked his chin and muttered to himself, "The third sister can't even utter a fart. What can the teacher possibly do with her?"
"The commander has his own reasons, Second Junior Sister, you mustn't..."
"Shut up." Xun Han rolled her eyes speechlessly. She couldn't help but want to curse again, but remembering Xiao Si's advice, she held back her anger, casually threw down her pen, and left leisurely.
Yang Fuchen stood silently for a long time. A servant came over and asked if she needed help tidying up. She declined softly and smiled, "I can do it myself, thank you." The writing brushes, ink, paper and inkstones were all precious items, especially those belonging to her two junior sisters. She was afraid the servant might accidentally knock them over, so she decided to help tidy them up herself.
On the other side, Zhang Shu led his three disciples into a quiet and elegant courtyard.
Upon entering, one can hear faint, deep, and lonely music playing in the background.
The one playing the zither was Ning Yuanzhi, the Minister of Rites.
As the music stopped, Ning Yuanzhi lifted her eyelids to look at Zhang Shu, then at Wu Pingliu beside her. She recognized him; he had performed exceptionally well during the Six Ministries' inspection last year, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, he should be assigned to the Ministry of Rites after the New Year.
"You invited me here, and you even brought an apprentice with you?"
Zhang Shu sat down leisurely and smiled, "Yuanzhi, aren't you one too?" Beside Ning Yuanzhi was a man holding a flute and doing the work of a servant, but upon closer inspection, his clothes were not what one would expect.
Ning Yuanzhi chuckled twice, "This is my newly accepted disciple, Fang Ting. Little Ting, why don't you quickly pay your respects to Master Zhang?"
Fang Ting, holding the musical instrument, bowed and said, "I am humbly acquainted with Master Zhang."
Zhang Shu stared at him for a while, then remembered that this person seemed to be Xiao Ting's friend. Their relationship was decent, and he had also achieved good results in the imperial examinations, perhaps second or third place.
Ning Yuanzhi was about to boast about how quick-witted, virtuous, and famous his disciple was, but as soon as he opened his mouth, he remembered that Zhang Ting was Zhang Shu's disciple, and his face darkened, and the corners of his mouth suddenly turned down.
Why is it that his previous boasts, which were always successful, have repeatedly met with setbacks when he comes to his arch-rival?
Ugh, what bad luck!
Zhang Shu seemed to understand what she meant, and he deliberately raised an eyebrow at Ning Yuanzhi, his smugness evident.
Ning Yuanzhi was furious. "You old geezer, are you deliberately trying to provoke me?"
Zhang Shu shook his head and sighed. Old Mrs. Ning was getting more and more impatient as she got older, sending the third son away in front of the other party.
Ning Yuanzhi narrowed his eyes, went along with her wishes, and sent the young disciple away as well.
"You wouldn't come to my temple without a reason. What brings you here, Granny Zhang?"
Zhang Shu held the warm cup and smiled shyly, "I do have a favor to ask of you."
"Just say it. We've known each other for so long. Since you've come to me for help, I'll naturally help you." Ning Yuanzhi raised his hand and drank the hot wine in his cup in one gulp. "Speak, what is it?"
Since she was being so generous, Zhang Shu naturally wouldn't hold back.
"I need you to help Xiaoting plan his promotion to prefect."
Upon hearing this, Ning Yuanzhi instantly spat out the wine in his mouth, the scene all too familiar.
She stared wide-eyed in disbelief, then suddenly sneered, "Zhang Shu, have you no shame? What kind of joke are you talking about? My disciple is only a minor official of the seventh rank, and you want me to help your disciple be promoted to a prefect of the fifth rank?"
"Zhang Shu, do you think I'm such an idiot who's easy to fool?"
Zhang Shu spread his hands innocently, "Look, you're getting anxious again, aren't you? I already said it was a request I couldn't make. You were the one who said we're close and told me to just say it directly."
Ning Yuanzhi was speechless. Her magnanimity and tolerance should not have been used on Zhang Shu. He was just a scoundrel!
She stood up in anger, ready to storm off.
If she can't afford to offend her, can't she at least avoid her?
How long has Zhang Ting been demoted? How long has it been since he offended the Emperor? He wants to jump three ranks to become a prefect? I think you're itching for a beating!
She took two steps forward, but when Zhang Shu didn't stop her, Ning Yuanzhi turned back and said, "Zhang Shu, old lady, you're getting old and won't be buried for many years. Your children and grandchildren have their own lives to live, why worry so much?"
“Zhang Ting is a good girl, virtuous and resourceful, I know that. But the current situation is beyond our ability to promote her. Last time, we managed to keep her in her position and avoid death, which was an extremely difficult achievement. It hasn’t even been a year, and His Majesty still remembers her and wants to recommend her for promotion. This is harming both himself and others!”
"The most important thing right now is for her to stay put in Zhangzhou Prefecture, to secure her political achievements, career advancement, and reputation. When His Majesty's anger subsides, the upright officials will not forget her." Isn't that how it is for officials? They just have to endure and eventually rise to the top.
But Zhang Shu was well aware of what Ning Yuanzhi had said.
But she also knew that if she couldn't overcome the challenges of building up her hard-earned reputation and achievements this time, who knew how long she would have to wait for the political situation to change? Five years? Ten years? Fifteen years? Twenty years?
Throughout history, countless officials have died in office, and even more officials have emerged in their forties or fifties.
Now is the best opportunity!
Xiaoting is calm and steady, and doesn't mind enduring a few more days. But as her teacher, can Zhang Shu bear to see her waste so many years?
Ning Yuanzhi had nothing to say to her. He flicked his sleeve and left without looking back. "Then I can't help you. You'd better find someone more capable." Not to mention His Majesty, even the Prime Minister is extremely dissatisfied with Zhang Ting. It's as difficult as climbing to heaven. Why bother?
Just then, Zhang Shu said, "The bloodline of the Prime Minister has been continued."
These words hit the nail on the head, striking right to the heart. Ning Yuanzhi stopped and waited for her to continue.
Zhang Shu slowly stood up. "A few days ago, on the 20th day of the first lunar month, Xiao Ting and Zong's child was born. It's a well-behaved and lovely girl, named Shi Le."
Ning Yuanzhi turned her head slightly, her voice hoarse, "Why are you telling me all this?"
Zhang Shu asked, "Yuanzhi, can you bear to see the bloodline of the Prime Minister grow up in a poor and lowly border region, eating tree bark and grass roots when famine strikes, and perhaps even dying young, while the children of your enemy live in luxury and squander their wealth and power?"
Ning Yuanzhi turned around suddenly, her eyes wide with fury. "Zhang Shu, you're doing great! You're forcing me!" Every time she woke up in the middle of the night, she could never forget those regretful eyes.
Zhang Shu looked directly into her red eyes and said firmly, "I didn't force you."
After a long silence, Ning Yuanzhi's shoulders slumped, and she turned away dejectedly, saying, "I understand."
Zhang Shu watched her retreating figure and let out a deep sigh of relief.
After a while, she also came out of the yard.
Xiaoting, walk boldly forward; your teacher will always stand behind you.
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