Uncle from a poor family

Chapter 277 Everything is left unsaid

Zhang Luan reported to the Hanlin Academy.

He was so excited when he went there that he wanted to find someone to beat drums and gongs in front of him to tell everyone that he was now the new star in the Hanlin Academy. But after staying there for a day, he came back with his head hung, and it was obvious that he was not very satisfied with his situation.

"Dad, you're back? Are you looking for the second son? I'm waiting for him too... I'm out of money, can you give me a few taels of silver to help me out?"

Zhang Heling sat bored on a bench in the main courtyard of his house, staring at Zhang Luan.

Zhang Luan felt around in his bosom and casually threw a few coins over: "Your ability hasn't improved, but you're spending more and more money... Now you don't ask for copper coins, you ask for silver instead?"

"Oh dad, I have too many social engagements now, do you think it's the same as before?"

Zhang Heling took the copper coin and sighed, "Second Brother is the same. He has left all the communication between our family and the outside world to me. Just the group of people I support, wouldn't it cost dozens or even hundreds of coins every day to keep them going?"

Zhang Luan frowned: "Who are you keeping outside?"

Zhang Heling said, "There are those who watch the wind, those who fight, those who work as pawns... You should have seen Chang Shun. Then there are those who can give advice. Oh, by the way, I will also go to contact the children of the princes and ministers in the capital..."

"just you?"

Zhang Luan frowned, thinking that his eldest son was just bragging.

Even he had a hard time handling social events, let alone his eldest son who was suspected of being mentally retarded? His youngest son was obviously so capable, why did he have to hand over the communication with the outside world to his eldest brother who knew nothing?

"The second brother said that I have qualities that others don't have, and that I am the most suitable person to go... I don't know what he said, but I think he was complimenting me."

Zhang Heling seemed very proud when he said this, and then he stretched out his hand again, "Dad, can you give me more?"

Zhang Luan said, "I will give you two taels of silver from your bank account, no more. If you want more, ask your second brother... I will only give you more if he says he will give it to you."

"Okay, two taels is enough. I should have no problem dealing with the work outside these days." Zhang Heling was not greedy.

Being able to get two taels of silver back from my stingy father is already a huge victory.

Of course, his father's stinginess was only directed at him. He knew very well that if his second brother went to ask for it, it would be easy for him to get two taels, let alone two hundred taels.

……

……

Xu Qiong came to visit that night.

When Xu Qiong came, Zhang Yanling had not returned yet.

Zhang Luan had already finished dinner at this time and wanted to invite Xu Qiong out for another meal, but was politely declined by Xu Qiong.

"Laizhan, to make a long story short, I think the risk of you entering Hanyuan is too great. If you are not careful, you may be implicated in this matter in the future."

Xu Qiong advised, "You are just a student of the Imperial Academy. It is difficult to gain recognition from others in a place like the Hanlin Academy. It is best to retreat when you know the difficulty."

Zhang Luan was a little angry and asked, "Even you don't think I can make any achievements in the Hanlin Academy?"

Xu Qiong sighed, "I know that Li Zisheng is helping you behind the scenes. You are too closely tied to him now. If he falls, you will be implicated.

"You are the father-in-law of the Crown Prince. Wouldn't it be good for you to get a job in the Five Military Commanders' Office and wait for a title? If you continue to make trouble now, I'm afraid it will implicate the Crown Princess."

"Really?"

Zhang Luan might have listened to Xu Qiong in the past, after all, he had no choice.

But now that he has his second son's support, he won't believe Xu Qiong's lies. He even thinks that Xu Qiong is jealous of him and that's why she came all the way to scare him.

Xu Qiong said seriously, "I heard your colleagues in the Hanlin Academy comment on you. There was a lot of slander in their words. They thought you took risks to get promoted and relied on scheming to get the opportunity to enter the Hanlin Academy."

Zhang Luan said helplessly: "I impeached Liang Fang and Wei Juan because I was upholding justice. I impeached Li Zisheng to protect the government. I did something that others wanted to do but couldn't do, but you say I was scheming?

"This is really a case of finding a pretext to accuse someone of something!"

Xu Qiong frowned and said, "So you still have expectations for working in the Hanlin Academy in the future?"

"I'm just going to fix a book."

Zhang Luan spread his hands and said in embarrassment, "You should know why I became this official... This time I was transferred to the Hanlin Academy, and the emperor also said that I should concentrate on studying.

"What kind of books can I write? It's nothing more than writing storybooks! If it can make your majesty happy, I will be willing to be a musician. After all, I don't have a high reputation in the first place."

Xu Qiong said awkwardly: "That's not what I meant, please don't misunderstand me."

"Minister Xu, I know you mean well. We are relatives by marriage. I have never met any high-ranking officials in my life. You are the most senior official around me. Logically, I should listen to you. But the problem now is not that I want to enter the Imperial Academy, but that someone wants me to enter..."

Zhang Luan almost said, I must listen to my son.

Xu Qiong thought Zhang Luan was talking about Li Zisheng, and asked hurriedly: "Why did Li Zisheng ask you to impeach him and arrange for you to enter the Imperial Academy? What is his intention?"

Zhang Luan said mysteriously: "Anyway, if you have nothing to do, come to me. If you have any problems, come to me. I can help him with anything you can think of... Guess why? Anyway, I don't know!"

Xu Qiong was extremely shocked. He looked at Zhang Luan for a while before asking, "He mentioned to His Majesty that there was an auspicious sign in early April. Is this also related to you?"

"Don't say it, don't say it."

Zhang Luan waved his hands repeatedly, "Just let me calm down for a while, and I'll talk to you in detail when I have time. If you have any opinions, just tell me. Even if you want me to leave the Hanlin Academy, please give me some time, okay? Please don't force me anymore!"

Xu Qiong didn't expect Zhang Luan to be so impatient.

However, I also feel that Zhang Luan today has indeed changed significantly compared to the past.

But after all, he and Zhang Luan did not have a very deep friendship. After all, the man in front of him was just the brother of one of his many concubines. Although he was older, what his brother-in-law said... As his "brother-in-law", he still had to give him some face.

Xu Qiong nodded reluctantly and stopped forcing it.

This visit was also very rewarding for him. At least he knew that there was a huge conflict of interest between Zhang Luan and Li Zisheng, and even his brother-in-law knew something that Li Zisheng cared about very much.

In other words, Li Zisheng often had to beg Zhang Luan to do things for him before he helped Zhang Luan enter the Hanlin Academy.

This is much more inhumane than simply promoting based on appreciation.

……

……

Zhang Yanling did not return home early that day because he was discussing business matters with Qin Zhao.

In addition to the soda ash business that he had invested in previously, he also talked about opening a bookstore and a theater in the future, and also discussed some new businesses.

Chai Meng went with him that day, and before dark, Zhang Yanling asked Chai Meng to leave first.

Zhang Yanling and Qin Zhao went to a nearby restaurant to have a simple meal before preparing to go home.

Before parting, Qin Zhao handed a letter to Zhang Yanling.

"This was given to me by Mr. Wang before he left Beijing... He said before he left that the letter must be given to your father ten days after he left. I know that this letter should be given to the Second Young Master... Let the Second Young Master read it first and then pass it on." Qin Zhao said.

Zhang Yanling sighed, "Mr. Wang is gone, and it's a pity that I didn't say goodbye to him."

Qin Zhao smiled knowingly and said, "Mr. Wang did leave in a hurry, but there was nothing he could do. I heard that someone repeatedly asked him about the treatment of liver disease, but he had no answer, so he had to leave. I heard that he met with your father before he left and asked about the treatment of liver disease. I wonder if this is true?"

Zhang Yanling shook his head: "It's definitely a rumor. He probably never met my father again."

Qin Zhao said, "That is to say... after I told Mr. Wang about the matter that day, he left this letter and left? Didn't he... go to your house to ask for details?"

"Haha, that should be it."

Zhang Yanling smiled.

Qin Zhao said with a serious expression: "Then... Second Young Master, may I ask if your father has any unfathomable attainments in guessing the mysteries of heaven?"

Zhang Yanling asked curiously, "Why does Master Qin ask this?"

Qin Zhao said: "I didn't think too clearly at the time. Why did you repeatedly mention the six-month period? You even said that the business could only be quickly rolled out and expanded after six months, as if six months was enough to solve all the difficulties at hand. Especially Mr. Wang, he left in a hurry without caring about anything, and even left without taking all his beloved medical books..."

"This one……"

Zhang Yanling didn't know how to answer.

After all, there are some things that are okay to say to his old father, but if you say them to your business partners... the other party may not agree with you.

Do I have to tell you that the emperor will die in half a year? "Can I guess that your father is actually very good at predicting the mysteries of the universe and can foresee everything? Even the accurate predictions made by Taoist Li last year were all made by your father?"

Qin Zhao asked further.

Zhang Yanling pretended to be confused: "What's the matter, Taoist Li?"

"There was an earthquake in Ningxia, an earthquake in Mount Tai... and at the beginning of the year, he predicted Concubine Wan's illness. I heard that he linked a heavy fog in the capital to Concubine Wan's life and death. I heard that he recently predicted that auspicious signs would appear next month, and Your Majesty also issued an order to give the Empress Dowager a title... Could it be that these things have nothing to do with your father?"

Qin Zhao's eyes were eager.

Before, she could never understand why Li Zisheng, the most powerful official in the court, would be so fond of Zhang Luan.

But when Wang Ji left, she connected all the things together, and thinking of the extraordinary talent displayed by the second son of the Zhang family in front of her, she understood everything in an instant.

If Li Zisheng was really capable, he would not have shown no ability in the past few years. He would not have suddenly become famous after the Zhang family arrived in the capital.

Zhang Yanling smiled and said, "My father is a scholar, not an alchemist."

"But in the eyes of the world, your father is still a famous doctor who saves lives."

Qin Zhao's eyes were full of a lively look. "I mentioned the matter of curing illnesses and saving lives to your father before. I vaguely remember that he mentioned you, the Second Young Master, the most for your contribution."

"My father is too low-key."

Zhang Yanling frowned slightly and asked, "Master Qin, do you really have to dig into this matter?"

Qin Zhao said: "How can I be such an ignorant person? I just want to ask the Second Young Master, half a year should be no problem, right?"

Zhang Yanling smiled again: "If it's about business, I can have a good chat with you. If it takes half a year, it won't be delayed until the end of the year. Our business will surely be able to expand quickly... Making money always requires some time to prepare, what do you think?"

Qin Zhao understood everything after hearing this.

Now there is no need for Zhang Yanling to admit it himself, as long as she thinks through all the causes and effects and understands Zhang Yanling's hints.

"I am honored to discuss business with you, Second Young Master. It is truly a great honor. Please rest assured, Second Young Master, as the head of a business family in Huizhou for three generations, I value my promises and rules the most and will not lose my composure. In the next six months, the Qin family will keep a low profile and will not cause you any trouble."

Qin Zhao said with great confidence on his face.

……

……

The palace examination is over.

The results were announced soon after.

This matter has been the focus of most attention in the capital these days, and Zhang Luan's entry into the Hanlin Academy seems insignificant, because no one thinks he is a great talent. The so-called loyal and upright minister is just a little psychological comfort given by those who flatter him.

After Zhang Luan entered the Hanlin Academy, he found that the people there lacked the proper respect for him. No matter what he did, no one paid attention to him and his sense of existence was extremely low.

However, when Zhu Youtang learned that his father-in-law had entered the Hanlin Academy, he seemed very enthusiastic. After a class, he found Xie Qian, the lecturer of the Eastern Palace, and tried to ask Xie Qian to help his father-in-law.

"Mr. Xie, I heard that Zhang Honglu was first transferred to the Taichang Temple as a junior official, and is now working as a compiler in the Hanlin Academy. I wonder if you have ever met him?"

Zhu Youtang didn't know how to persuade Xiang.

But his wife had great expectations for his trip. Plus, he himself also hoped to have more helpers in the Hanlin Academy, and even have a chance to have Zhang Luan come to the Eastern Palace to give him advice, so he had to go even if it meant biting the bullet.

Xie Qian shook his head and said, "Your Highness, I have never seen him."

"Ah? Mr. Xie hasn't returned to the Hanlin Academy recently?"

Zhu Youtang was also very curious.

You are colleagues in the Hanlin Academy, so why do you make it sound as if you are not working in the same office?
Xie Qian patiently explained: "The lectures of the Eastern Palace are mostly given in the palace, and usually I am also in the Zhanshi Mansion and other government offices, so it is difficult to have time to take care of the affairs of the Hanlin Academy.

"There are many colleagues in the Hanlin Academy, and there are many trivial matters. It is difficult to meet them at ordinary times. Now that the palace examination is over, there are frequent requests and banquets from all parties. I am really too busy to handle it, and I cannot spare the time to go back and take a look."

This was said to deceive Zhu Youtang.

If Zhang Luan was really a learned man, or had made great contributions to the Ming Dynasty, then the lecturers of the Eastern Palace would have been close to him and gradually brought him into their own hands.

But for a Hanlin who was born a scholar, the mere fact of entering the Hanlin Academy was clearly against the rules... Relying on writing storybooks to get promoted, how ridiculous is that?
Even though you once impeached the powerful officials of the time when you were the Minister of the Ministry of Rites and won a certain reputation among the literati, no one still takes you seriously.

"Then Mr. Xie, if you have time, can you take care of Zhang Hanlin?"

When Zhu Youtang said this, his face flushed red, and he looked very embarrassed. "I'm not trying to take sides, but he really doesn't have anyone to rely on. I don't know anyone in the Hanlin Academy. I can only... beg Mr. Xie for help."

Xie Qian frowned slightly.

This was the first time he had seen the prince so earnestly ask someone to do something for him. This kind of request would never have come from the prince before.

If it were someone else, they would definitely refuse outright. After all, what's the point of taking care of someone? They are in the same government office, so isn't the so-called care just favoritism?
But Xie Qian was very open-minded. He nodded and said, "I've made a note of this. Zhang Luan has just entered the Hanlin Academy and doesn't know much about it. I will find someone to help him get familiar with everything in the Hanlin Academy. The Crown Prince doesn't have to worry too much. The Hanlin Academy is a good place to study. He can learn more there and make greater contributions to the court in the future."

"it is good."

Zhu Youtang seemed very happy. "Then I'll leave it to you, Mr. Xie. I'll go back first. You should go back earlier too. Please."

……

……

When Xie Qian met the prince, his expression seemed a little unusual, because what happened today was far beyond his understanding.

On the way out of the palace, Wang Ao approached him and asked, "Yu Qiao, is the prince looking for you to learn something about academic matters?"

"No and no."

Xie Qian shook his head and said, "I can tell you, but you must not tell anyone else."

"It's natural."

Wang Ao nodded.

Xie Qian said, "The prince is speaking on behalf of his father-in-law Zhang Luan, who has just joined the Imperial Academy as a historian. He asked me to take care of him and even to give him more guidance so that he can adapt to the Imperial Academy as soon as possible."

"This……"

Wang Ao looked embarrassed and even felt it was absurd.

It seems to be saying, are you sure this is what the prince said?

"I've always felt that the prince has changed a lot since his marriage, and today's incident has further deepened my impression."

Xie Qian asked, "Do you remember the tribute case?"

Wang Ao's face was gloomy, but he nodded helplessly.

Previously, everyone accidentally accepted tribute, which almost led to the annihilation of all the lecturers in the Eastern Palace, and Yang Shouchen was even imprisoned. Although Yang Shouchen was later released from prison, he still did not return to the sequence of lecturers in the Eastern Palace. Later, Ni Yue, the right assistant minister of the Ministry of Rites, was added to the Eastern Palace, but officials like Ni Yue rarely appeared in the lecture class.

In addition to the cabinet being a place where seniority is valued, the lecturers in the Eastern Palace are also very concerned about seniority. A court official like Ni Yue, who is already the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, basically would not come to class even if he had the title of lecturer in the Eastern Palace. If he came occasionally, it was only as a visiting professor, who would speak a few words and then leave.

Xie Qian said: "A few days ago, my colleagues in the Hanyuan were discussing whether His Majesty would resume the daily lectures on the classics this year, but it seems that there is still no hope at the moment."

Wang Ao reminded, “Your Majesty has been paying close attention to the affairs of the Imperial Academy recently. Previously, Your Majesty even came to the Wenhua Hall to attend a class…”

"Your Majesty obviously didn't go there to listen to the lecture that time."

Xie Qian corrected him, "Some things happened recently. They don't seem to cause any big waves, but they are all vaguely related to the crown prince. If you say that the crown prince was young and naive before, now he seems to be more responsible."

The implication is that the prince has matured.

Wang Ao nodded and asked, "What about Zhang Laizhan..."

Xie Qian said: "Whether Zhang Laizhan is a student of the Imperial Academy or a student of a certain family, at least he was the Minister of the Honglu Temple before, and he is not a hypocritical and cowardly person. Now that he has entered the Hanlin Academy, it cannot be said that he is completely unworthy of the title."

"So that's why Yu Qiao agreed to the prince's request?"

Wang Ao smiled.

You, Xie Qian, are quite good at comforting yourself. If you want to help the prince, you have to find a plausible reason.

Xie Qian smiled and said, "When I have time, I will definitely go meet him. After all, we are colleagues and are related to the Eastern Palace. Although the position of the crown prince is now stable, he still needs someone to assist him. My goal should be the same as his..."

(End of this chapter)