Chapter 28: Selling Favors
Zhu Zhanji was busy dealing with urgent military information. Although he did not announce it to the public and Hu Shanxiang even ordered the palace servants present that day not to talk about it, some people still got wind of it and began to speculate what the so-called "urgent military information" was.
Soon someone answered everyone's doubts. This person was Zhang Fu, Duke of Yingguo.
Normally, the palace would be locked and keyed at designated times, and no one except the emperor could open the gates after dark. However, on the night of Renxu, Duke Yingguo Zhang Fu suddenly entered the palace in the middle of the night. It was obvious that there was something extremely urgent, otherwise, with the character of this old minister, he would never have rashly done such a rude thing.
As expected, Prince of Han Zhu Gaoxu issued a manifesto in Le'an and started a rebellion under the pretext of "pacifying the rebellion". Not only that, he even sent officials from the Prince of Han's Palace to Beijing to lobby Zhang Fu to act as an insider in the capital and respond to the rebellion.
When people first heard that the legendary brave and warlike King of Han was going to rebel, they couldn't help but feel a little worried. After all, he had followed Emperor Taizong to quell the rebellion, and he had made great military achievements and had countless connections in the army. The country had just been stable for twenty years, and it was likely that chaos would occur again.
The people outside the city were in such a state, not to mention those in the imperial palace. Some of the palace servants in Shuntian had witnessed the battles of the Jingnan Rebellion and knew that if the enemy invaded the imperial city, they, the palace servants, would suffer the most.
Fortunately, the Queen Hu Shanxiang calmed the people's hearts, issued stern orders and forbade the palace maids to spread rumors. In addition, there was the great figure of Empress Dowager Zhang, so although the palace maids were still frightened, they did not cause any trouble.
Zhu Yuhuan was still busy with his own affairs as usual every day, but knowing the fear of these palace people, he couldn't help but sigh that they really thought too highly of Zhu Gaoxu.
Her great-grandfather Zhu Di pretended to be crazy and stupid and kept a low profile, which was a minority. If Zhu Gaoxu could really follow his example, he would have sent troops long ago. Why would he wait until today?
What's more, he actually thought he could convince Zhang Fu to join the rebellion...
Shuntian had a regimental camp under command. If Zhang Fu rebelled, he would be the first to be slain. Others were busy preparing their sons for recovery and the succession to the title. However, once this news got out, rumors were bound to circulate. Rumors spread that the Duke of Ying and the Prince of Han, Zhu Gaoxu, had indeed had some murky dealings. It was unknown what Zhu Zhanji's attitude was towards this.
Zhu Yuhuan was calm because he knew about history, while Zhu Zhanji was calm because he had long expected today's situation.
Even from a young age, he had known of his uncle's ambitions, believing he would rebel sooner or later. He hadn't dared to rebel during his father's reign, fearing neither his status nor the support of the people, and therefore had remained "obedient." He had recently brought lanterns to the capital with much fanfare, submitting a memorial offering various opinions, all in an effort to establish a reputation for himself. As for reputation, this manifesto, denouncing Xia Yuanji and others who had defended the previous emperor's ascension to the throne, served as proof of his legitimacy.
However, rather than saying that he had anticipated this, it would be more accurate to say that he intentionally pushed Zhu Gaoxu so that he would explode sooner.
It is really an eyesore to let this kind of clown continue to jump around in Le'an. It would be better to find a way to put him under house arrest, preferably under his nose, so that he can feel the pain and suffering that he and his father went through when they were walking on thin ice.
Although Zhu Zhanji knew what was going on in his mind, he still had to put on a show of pretending to be so. Therefore, Zhu Zhanji first sent the Secretary of the Central Secretariat Hou Tai to Le'an to inquire whether Zhu Gaoxu really wanted to rebel. When Hou Tai rushed back to the capital, seeing Zhu Gaoxu's timid and speechless look, Zhu Zhanji guessed that Zhu Gaoxu had probably said many treasonous words.
Zhu Zhanji knew his second uncle's character very well, but seeing Hou Tai like this, and the information that the Jinyiwei soon presented to him that Hou Tai also had dealings with Han Wang Zhu Gaoxu, even though Zhu Zhanji had long known that many officials had dealings with this generous uncle, he was naturally furious when he found out that even the people he sent to persuade Zhu Gaoxu had dealings with him, and he scolded Hou Tai.
Zhu Zhanji was still thinking of letting Zhu Gaoxu off the hook, but Zhu Gaoxu had no sense of crisis at all. He even dared to write letters to various princes and ministers, reprimanding them for knowing that "treacherous ministers were in power" but not having the "heart to serve the country and the people". Instead, they "went wrong and continued to do so" and "were servile and fawning". The implication was that there was not a single good person in the court, both civil and military officials, and that the late emperor and the current majesty were foolish and incompetent.
These ministers had no intention of standing on Zhu Gaoxu's side, and after being scolded by him, no one was willing to speak for him. They all submitted petitions to Zhu Zhanji requesting him to send troops to eliminate the King of Han.
Of course, it is difficult to say whether it was for Zhu Zhanji or for themselves.
Zhu Yuhuan had long known the outcome of the incident and had no interest in these things that were destined to be settled. He left the palace and went to the charity hall as usual. Unexpectedly, upon entering the charity hall, he saw a young man he had never met before. He had a slender figure, a handsome face, and his clothes looked a little empty. He was sitting at a table, taking someone's pulse.
Zhu Yuhuan slowed down his pace and looked at the other person curiously, watching him write fluently, and the words under his pen looked like a prescription.
The young man glanced at her and said, "Are you here to help too? It just so happens that one of the helpers up ahead is out busy, so you can go to the pharmacy and get some medicine."
Seeing this, Huai En was about to take the lead. Zhu Yuhuan didn't mind and took the prescription honestly. However, before she turned around, someone hurriedly grabbed her sleeve and stammered, "Grandpa... Grandpa... please stay..."
Zhu Yuhuan blinked and turned around to see that the other person was Zhang Zhong, whom he had met before in the Duke of England's Mansion. He was now dressed like a servant and had completely lost the elegance he had when he played the piano in the Duke of England's Mansion.
Zhu Yuhuan straightened his cloak and couldn't help but laugh: "What's the meaning of 'eunuch'? Outsiders call me 'langjun'."
Zhang Zhong, who had been stuttering, finally felt relieved and breathed a sigh of relief. He said shyly, "Sir, please stay."
The young man looked between the two of them, then seemed to understand something and said, "See if the medicine is ready?" He sighed and said, "Let's wait for the errand boy to come back and get the medicine."
Zhu Yuhuan and Huai'en exchanged a glance, then followed Zhang Zhong into the courtyard of the charity hall. Normally, the staff responsible for managing the various paperwork and archives were all inside, checking books or handling various matters. The courtyard was deserted, with only the occasional bird landing.
The stove for decocting medicine was set up in the shed in the courtyard, bubbling with steam. Zhu Yuhuan saw this and asked, "Is your fire a little too big? There's a difference between decocting medicine and making soup."
Although Zhang Zhong was ill, he did not usually make the medicine himself. Someone brought it to him when he wanted to drink it. Naturally, he knew nothing about it. After hearing what Zhu Yuhuan said, he hurriedly adjusted the heat. Seeing that the medicine soup was no longer boiling like before, he breathed a sigh of relief.
Zhang Zhongyi looked up and saw Zhu Yuhuan looking at him with a half-smile. He subconsciously shuddered, his heart skipped a beat, and he stammered, "Princess...my husband is often sick too?"
Zhu Yuhuan shook his head and said, "No, I just saw the palace maids making medicine for my mother."
Zhang Zhong responded dryly, as if he didn't know how to respond, and showed an expression that seemed to want to say something but hesitated.
Zhu Yuhuan felt somewhat helpless, but she still smiled and said, "That person outside must be Madam Lu's grandson, right? I didn't expect him to arrive in Beijing so soon." She glanced at Zhang Zhong and said, "I saw you walking quite smoothly just now. It seems this Xu Lang does have some real skills."
Zhang Zhong then took up the topic, saying, "Dad said that we should have Xu Lang come to the charity to provide free medical treatment, and the Duke's Mansion will pay for it."
This surprised Zhu Yuhuan. She raised her eyebrows slightly and got to the point: "You disguised yourself and came to see me at the charity hall. Could it be that the Duke of Ying has something to say to me?"
The last time she went to the Duke of Ying's mansion, it was only for Liu Yongcheng, and she had mentioned Zhang Fu, with whom she had no prior contact. With Zhang Fu's intelligence, he must have guessed her main purpose, so he simply offered gold and silver as a way to repay the favor. This was considered a repayment of the favor, so why did Zhang Zhong go to the charity hall again?
Zhang Zhong quickly waved his hands and explained, "Yes...I just want to ask the princess for advice on something. It has nothing to do with my father."
Zhu Yuhuan looked at him helplessly and asked, "Are you trying to get my father's opinion from me? I haven't become a worm in his stomach yet."
If Zhang Fu came to ask her, she might have shown some mercy. Besides, Zhang Fu had been an official for so long, how could he be so cunning? It was impossible for him to have no plans or preparations at all. It was probably Zhang Zhong's unilateral anxiety.
Zhang Zhong's thoughts were exposed by her words. He blushed and said, "I am stupid and rude, Princess."
Seeing him instantly dejected, Zhu Yuhuan, remembering that his father was Zhang Fu, spoke up, "The Duke of Yingzhou must have made plans long ago. You don't have to worry. The Duke of Yingzhou is a veteran minister who has served three dynasties. He has a lot of strategies in his head, so nothing will go wrong."
Zhang Zhong said hesitantly, "I noticed that my parents have been a little depressed these past few days and have stayed indoors, so I took the initiative...Please don't blame me, Princess."
Before Zhang Fu could say anything, Zhang Zhong was already running around, demonstrating his filial piety towards his parents. Zhu Yuhuan pondered for a moment, then said, "Now that the King of Han intends to raise an army in Le'an, the court will undoubtedly need to send officials to quell the rebellion. Duke Ying is a skilled warrior, so he should go on the expedition to prove his innocence."
Huai En didn't expect that Zhu Yuhuan would actually give advice to Zhang Zhong, and he couldn't help but feel a little worried.
Zhang Zhong seems to be straightforward and has no ulterior motives. What if he accidentally harms the princess?
Zhang Zhong was stunned at first, then his eyes lit up. He obviously didn't expect that Zhu Yuhuan, who had just rejected him, would actually be willing to give him an idea.
But he changed his mind and hesitated again, asking, "But the King of Han's men have come to find Dad. Shouldn't we avoid suspicion now?"
Moreover, what if Your Majesty is suspicious of the Duke of Ying and suspects that Zhang Fu and Zhu Gaoxu are planning to meet together?
Zhu Yuhuan smiled upon hearing this and said, "Duke Yingguo is a man of integrity. He personally escorted the thieves sent by the King of Han to the Imperial Guards. How could Your Majesty have misunderstood?"
The most important thing is that Zhu Zhanji intends to lead the army in person to establish his authority. Naturally, he will not send any general to suppress the bandits. It would be better for Zhang Fu to take this opportunity to prove that he has no ulterior motives.
Seeing her confidence, Zhang Zhong said repeatedly, "Thank you, Princess!"
Zhu Yuhuan waved his hand and said, "Thank you, there's no need. What we said today cannot be told to anyone else except you, me and him. If people outside knew that we were trying to guess the emperor's intentions, we would suffer the consequences."
Zhang Zhong nodded repeatedly upon hearing this and said, "Don't worry, Princess. I've taken note of it."
"You should call me Langjun." Zhu Yuhuan saw that he looked serious, smiled slightly, and asked, "How is your health? Has Xu Lang diagnosed it? I think you seem to be better than the last time we met."
Zhang Zhong didn't expect that after answering his questions like this, she would still care about his health. He was slightly stunned. Seeing Huai En looking at him, he hurriedly said, "Xu Lang's medical skills are excellent. My leg has indeed improved."
Zhu Yuhuan's eyebrows curved and he smiled, "That's great. I have to thank Duke Ying for allowing a doctor with such superb medical skills as Xu Lang to come to the charity hall to see patients."
Zhang Zhong was stunned when he saw her smile, and hurriedly said, "Don't worry, my dear. I will come to help often in the future and will definitely not delay Mr. Xu's consultation."
Zhu Yuhuan nodded, then pointed to the smoking medicine furnace behind him and said, "Is the medicine soup ready?"
Zhang Zhong then remembered this and hurried back to check. He carefully poured the liquid into the bowl and then took the tray to the front hall. After a while, he heard Xu Lang's voice coming from the front:
"What the hell are you frying?"
What followed was a lecture.
Zhu Yuhuan couldn't help but chuckle, and Huai En beside him whispered, "This young man from the Duke of Ying is not very cunning. What if he is tricked into telling lies..."
"The Duke of England is being very cautious right now. I'm afraid he sneaked out himself, so even if he wanted to be tricked, he wouldn't have had much of a chance." Zhu Yuhuan stroked his chin and said, "As for the Duke of England and his wife asking about it, wouldn't that be even better?"
Huai En then realized that Zhu Yuhuan was trying to do Zhang Fu a favor.
Although it was Zhang Zhong who asked the question, once Zhang Fu knew about it, he would have to acknowledge the favor even if he didn't want to.
Seeing that he understood, Zhu Yuhuan said with a smile: "What bad intentions could I have? I just feel a little sympathy for him because he is filial."
As the two were talking, someone had already lifted the curtain and walked quickly into the courtyard, muttering, "Where did I find this servant? I have to boil the medicine all over again..." After he finished speaking, he realized that there were two other people in the courtyard. He didn't feel embarrassed, but greeted them openly, "Young master, are you here to donate money?"
Zhu Yuhuan and Huai En looked at each other and said, "I'm here to see Xu Lang."
"Xu Lang? The picky one outside?" The other man's eyes fell on her, staring at her for a long time, and couldn't help but ask, "Master, have we met somewhere before?"
Zhu Yuhuan smiled faintly and said, "That's not the way to get close to someone powerful."
Shi Jing showed a look of disgust, spat and said, "Who wants to associate with you! You are so shameless with your greasy hair and powdered face!" After that, he didn't intend to pay any more attention to Zhu Yuhuan, and started to boil the medicine again.
Huai En originally wanted to scold Shi Jing, but seeing that Zhu Yuhuan not only didn't care but even found it quite amusing, he had no choice but to follow her to the front hall. However, he had already remembered this rude person in front of him.
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