Chapter 31: The Hidden Truth Revealed, Changes at the Zhang Residence
"You said that the Zong family's son was bought by a merchant?" A deep, aged voice rang out.
The interior of the hall is magnificent and solemn, with every brick and piece of cloth being exquisitely crafted.
Through layers of golden curtains, one could vaguely see a woman resting on a couch. She lightly tapped the table with one hand, making a "clattering" sound. This sound, however, struck the heart of the official woman kneeling below like a drumbeat.
The woman in the official robes was so frightened that large beads of sweat kept appearing on her forehead. She crawled forward on her knees and said obsequiously, "Your Majesty, it is indeed true."
Emperor Chengtai glanced at her and scoffed, "Tsk, spineless. You're supposed to be Grand Secretary Xu's daughter, yet you wag your tail and beg for mercy like a dog."
Xu Zheng straightened up and forced a smile, "Being His Majesty's dog is something that countless people in the world dream of."
Although Emperor Chengtai looked down on her flattery, he was still pleased. He hummed softly, waved his hand, and his sleeve swept across the table. A palace maid quickly brought over a cup of hot tea.
She took the teacup, but was burned by the heat of the cup. She frowned, threw the teacup away, and the porcelain shattered on the ground with a soft thud.
The palace maids inside the hall knelt down in fear. The maid who served tea was a newcomer who was so frightened that tears streamed down her face as she kowtowed repeatedly to apologize.
"Your Majesty, please calm down and spare me this time! Please spare me this time!"
Emperor Chengtai remained indifferent, not even glancing at her. With a flick of his wrinkled hand, a guard entered, covered the maid's mouth, and dragged her away.
Xu Zheng was also frightened and buried his body in the ground again after straightening up.
The head palace maid, sensing the situation, personally served another cup of tea, presenting it to Emperor Chengtai with both hands. Her old face beamed with joy. "Your Majesty, please have some tea. It's all my fault for not training her properly before bringing her up here."
Emperor Chengtai glanced at her, a kind and gentle smile appearing on his aged face. She could tolerate this small mistake from the old man who served her, and took the tea and sipped it.
After a long while, as if remembering Xu Zhengyue kneeling below, he called her to get up and said, "Since I have issued an order, you should act in accordance with the order. Why are you reporting back?"
Xu Zheng hesitated for a moment, "After all, they are of royal blood. The imperial family was extremely dissatisfied at the previous court assembly, this..."
This decree, which demoted members of the imperial family to government slaves, caused a huge uproar in the court. The imperial relatives would rather His Majesty order the execution of that person than open the door to demoting nobles to slavery. Unfortunately, His Majesty insisted on doing so. The Crown Princess and the Grand Secretary fell from power one after another, and no one could restrain her anymore, and no one dared to disobey her.
These members of the royal family even hoped that the eldest son of the imperial clan would commit suicide because he could not bear the humiliation, but unexpectedly, not only did he not commit suicide, but he was also bought by a lowly merchant.
This is an utter disgrace!
Xu Zheng thought to himself, "If those old women knew this, they'd be furious."
Emperor Chengtai's smile vanished, her face now etched with wrinkles like a withered tree. She touched her forehead with one hand, her bright yellow sleeve obscuring half her face, revealing cloudy eyes that gleamed with a sinister light. Her voice was low and hoarse, yet carried an undeniable force: "Ignore it."
The sons of the clan will be slaves for eternity.
......
Xiao Yi got up very early and waited for Zhang Ting to finish her set of boxing before going to the hall with her for breakfast.
After a hasty visit, under Zhang Ting's meaningful gaze, he went to Du Zhaolang to hand over his duties.
After repeatedly counting the money to confirm the amount, he found it hard to believe. He then opened the ledger to check it carefully. Once he confirmed that the accounts were correct, he closed the ledger in shock.
He knew that Zhang Ting's family was not as well off as it used to be, but he did not expect it to be in such dire straits!
His quarterly expenses, including the servants' monthly allowance, amounted to only five hundred taels, less than one-sixth of the cost of a single garment.
This time, he had spent more than a year's worth of money at Zhang Ting's residence. He felt guilty and ashamed, and hesitated whether to ask Du Zaolang to return the items and pay him back some money.
But before he could think any further, Zhang Ting sent Xiao Rong to report that guests had arrived and that he should prepare to receive them.
After tidying up at home, Zhang Sheng, accompanied by his servants and gifts, followed his memory and went to the Zhang residence to request an audience.
Last night, she suddenly remembered that the address Zhang Ting mentioned was her own house in Beijing, which she had rented out to someone else a few days ago.
What else could this be but fate?
Overjoyed, she couldn't help but get carried away and almost threw her husband off the bed.
He promised her numerous jewels before finally appeasing her.
Zhang Ting personally welcomed the guests into the room, and since the study was spacious and bright, she simply held the reception there.
No sooner had they sat down than Xiao Rong and Xi Ge came in with teacups to serve tea to the host and distinguished guest.
The tea leaves used are fragrant and green, the water temperature is just right, the cups are simple and elegant, the tea is mellow and rich, and leaves a sweet aftertaste in the mouth.
Zhang Sheng nodded in agreement. He was impressed that Zhang Ting knew even the most popular teas among aristocratic families and high-ranking officials, such as Xiangcui. It seemed that Zhang Ting had quite a network of connections in the capital. He couldn't help but feel a sense of respect for him.
This might be the Zhang family's chance to turn things around in the future?
"Today, the old lady has come to visit with generous gifts to express her gratitude for yesterday's visit and to apologize for troubling you, my dear nephew."
The accompanying maid placed the gifts on the table next to Zhang Ting.
"Please accept this, my dear nephew."
Zhang Ting couldn't discern anything different about the tea compared to usual. He took a sip and put it down, then smiled at Zhang Sheng and said, "I am delighted by your presence at my humble abode. How could I have disturbed you? Please don't take yesterday's little misunderstanding to heart."
"I hope you will take back this gift, otherwise it would be too much of a burden for this junior."
Zhang Sheng laughed heartily, saying that such a small gift was nothing to worry about, so he simply went along with her wishes and had the maid take it back, and even told her about their fate together.
This was something Zhang Ting never expected. "Oh? You're actually the homeowner."
"This house was decorated by my husband himself. He loves tending to flowers and plants and creating picturesque scenes."
"We originally intended to keep this house as a place to stay in the capital, but since our business has moved south, we no longer need it. We are renting it out to someone who is destined to live here and enjoy the warmth of the place."
Zhang Ting's brows relaxed, and she followed up with her words: "That is indeed a great coincidence. It is my honor to be able to get to know you, Auntie."
Zhang Sheng admired her humble and courteous demeanor the most, and nodded in silent admiration.
She had received a letter from Cui Jingji saying that the person renting the house was very fond of it.
"Since we have formed a bond, I will present this house to you as a gift. You must not refuse."
Two months ago, Zhang Ting would never have refused, but now that she has plenty of money and her finances are steadily increasing, she really doesn't need to accept money from people of unknown origin, lest she ruin her reputation.
"I cannot accept a reward without merit, and I hope Aunt will rescind her decision."
Since the other party has offered to give it as a gift, even if you don't accept it, as long as you suggest buying it, the other party should be more likely to agree.
However, upon hearing Zhang Ting's meaning, Zhang Sheng looked puzzled: "Since my dear nephew likes it, why refuse this old woman's offer?"
At this moment, Xiao Rong and Xi Ge, who had stepped back, came up again and served the two of them some snacks and drinks that had just been made in the kitchen.
Xiao Rong whispered in Zhang Ting's ear, "Young Master has already instructed the kitchen to prepare lunch for the guests."
Zhang Ting nodded slightly, then turned her gaze and saw that the pastries were exquisitely made and beautifully plated, even more so than those she had made in the past.
They invited Zhang Sheng to try their home cooking. Zhang Sheng had arrived in a hurry and hadn't had breakfast yet, so they ate the snacks with drinks. The taste was delicious, sweet but not greasy. The other party even praised Zhang Ting's family's cook, saying that his skills were no less than those of a famous chef.
Zhang Ting was embarrassed. Du Zaolang was able to make such greasy pastries all the time back then. Could it be that I was not a good housekeeper?
But his expression remained unchanged, and he even gave a slight smile, encouraging Zhang Sheng to use his voice more.
After she finished eating, he explained, "I am very grateful for your kind words, Auntie. However, the gift is very valuable. I am just a mere scholar and I feel uneasy. I am truly unworthy of receiving it. Please rescind your order."
Zhang Sheng frowned deeply as he carefully examined the young man before him. After a moment's thought, he finally agreed to Zhang Ting's request.
Young, composed, resilient, and methodical – Zhang Sheng simply couldn't believe that such a talented young man wouldn't amount to anything in the future. She only regretted that the cabbage hadn't grown in her own field.
Well then, selling her house will at least be a way to build a good relationship.
Just a few days ago, Cui Jingji returned from visiting his family, and Zhang Ting asked Lin Xiuzhen to invite her over to be a witness.
When Cui Jingji came in, looking travel-worn, he saw the two arguing endlessly about the price.
Zhang Sheng told Zhang Ting to give him one hundred taels as a token, but Zhang Ting, who valued his reputation, insisted on paying the market price.
It was the first time Cui Jingji had ever seen a buyer insist on giving the seller extra money. He found it strange, but since the house was more expensive and his own profit would be higher, he helped persuade Zhang Sheng.
“My dear Master Zhang, look how sincere this junior is. She doesn’t want you to spend any money, so please accept her kind offer!”
Zhang Sheng, having exhausted himself, pointed at Zhang Ting with a smile and said, "You junior, are you made of stone? You're so stubborn!"
He appeared slightly annoyed, but inwardly he admired her even more.
Zhang Ting chuckled softly and remained silent.
The house was eventually sold for 200 taels less than the market price, costing 1,300 taels.
After signing the contract, Zhang Ting asked Cui Jingji to help with the registration at the government office if he had free time in the future.
Cui Jingji was overjoyed to receive another commission. Since what Zhang Ting said was within her duties, she readily agreed.
"It is what a lowly person should do, Your Majesty, please rest assured."
Zhang Ting invited the two of them to stay for lunch, but since it was still early, he chatted with them.
Cui Jingji recounted that on his way back to the capital, he passed the Yang River and saw hundreds of women carrying timber towards the capital. The procession was enormous, and he jokingly remarked that some nobleman was about to build a new mansion.
Zhang Sheng had been in Beijing for several days and had not heard of this news, so he pulled Cui Jingji aside to ask him in detail.
"I don't know which important person it is, but I'll find out once the mansion starts construction."
Only Zhang Ting lowered her eyes, holding her teacup, lost in thought.
The food was laid out in the hall, and Zhang Ting warmly invited the two of them to go.
Upon arrival, I discovered that the hall had been completely renovated, with a brighter and more open layout. The gauze curtains had been replaced with a dark blue material, and the furniture was simple and unpretentious, though the decorations were not particularly exquisite, but the style was unique.
The entire hall is elegant and grand, and it is evident that every detail has been meticulously designed by the owner.
Stepping inside, one can feel the profound heritage that only a great clan can display.
This wasn't the first time Cui Jingji had visited Zhang Ting's home, but the drastically changed layout and furnishings made her feel a sense of heaviness and inexplicable shortness of breath.
Zhang Sheng, however, thought he had come to a high-ranking official's residence for a meal. He glanced at Zhang Ting and thought to himself: This woman is indeed extraordinary. She should not be underestimated and should be treated with even greater caution.
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