Uncle from a poor family

Chapter 288: Looking for someone to assist

Zhang Yanling also sent people to keep an eye on the place first, and only came to visit after knowing that Chen Gui had returned home.

Chang Shun went up and knocked on the door. An old servant opened the door, looked at Zhang Yanling and his party, and said coldly: "Did you come to the wrong door? The owner of this house does not accept guests."

"We are here to look for Eunuch Chen."

Zhang Yanling bowed and said, "My surname is Zhang. My father is the Imperial Academy Editor Zhang. My sister is now the Crown Princess of the Eastern Palace. I have come here specially to visit Eunuch Chen. Please pass on the message."

The old servant was a little confused when he heard this.

The future father-in-law sent his son to visit? It seems that he also brought a lot of gifts. This posture... is he going to give gifts all over the capital to make himself familiar with him first?
Now the old servant didn't dare to delay and immediately turned around to inform Chen Gui.

When Chen Gui came out to greet the guests, he asked the old servant in confusion, "We have no dealings with Zhang. Why did they suddenly come to our house? Could it be someone impersonating us?"

When Chen Gui arrived at the door, he saw a half-grown child standing there, and his confusion immediately became even greater.

"Is this Eunuch Chen? I am Zhang Yanling, my father..."

Zhang Yanling was ready to repeat his previous remarks.

Chen Gui raised his hand and said, "No need to elaborate, just come in and tell me what you want to say."

After saying this, he called Zhang Yanling and several servants behind him into the yard. Before closing the door, Chen Gui even leaned out to look at the street, and after making sure that no one was watching, he turned around and called Zhang Yanling.

A brief conversation.

Chen Gui then let down his guard, knowing that the young man in front of him was indeed Zhang Luan's son. He thought about it and understood that the Zhang family was not considered a high-ranking family at the moment, so even if someone wanted to defraud him, they would not pretend to be a member of the Zhang family.

Moreover, there is no direct conflict of interest between the Zhang family and Chen Gui.

"Young Master Zhang, what do you want that requires you to come here? Is your father... okay?"

Chen Gui asked with a smile.

Zhang Yanling said, "My father has just entered the Imperial Academy and is not familiar with many situations. He knows that Eunuch Chen is a favorite of the Empress Dowager of Qingning Palace, so he specially asked me to come and greet him. By the way, I will tell you in detail about something related to the Empress Dowager and the Crown Prince."

"This……"

When Chen Gui heard this, he thought to himself, are you looking for me to do something for you?
"please."

Chen Gui patiently invited Zhang Yanling to the main hall of his house.

Afterwards, Chen Gui did not serve anything, but asked Zhang Yanling to sit down and asked the servant to serve tea.

The general meaning is...you came with a gift, so I can't be rude in front of others.

Zhang Yanling took a sip of tea and then said, "I heard that the eunuch in charge of the Imperial Household Department is Chen Xi, and below him are you and Wei Xing?"

"You seem to know everything." Chen Gui smiled and said, "Your father has just arrived in the capital. Does he need to know everything about the inner court?"

The implication is that your Zhang family has crossed the line.

Zhang Yanling said, "My father also knows that Eunuch Chen Xi is old and frail, and will soon retire. From now on, you and Wei Xing will compete for the position of eunuch in charge."

"Ah."

Chen Gui's face was gloomy, and he said something perfunctorily, as if he didn't want to discuss this with an outsider, nor did he think he needed to get too close to the Zhang family in the future.

But you can't deliberately distance yourself from them... because this is the future queen's family. If you dare to offend the queen's family, who are the head of the six palaces, then you'd better not be in the palace.

So he was just considerate in terms of courtesy, but had no intention of establishing close relations with the Zhang family.

Zhang Yanling said, "My father learned that the Crown Prince will bring up something with the Queen Mother in the next few days, but if no one helps, I'm afraid... it will be difficult to achieve any results."

"What did you say?"

Chen Gui immediately stood up and looked at Zhang Yanling sternly.

Obviously Chen Gui did not want to be too closely tied to the prince. Regardless of whether the prince would be deposed in the future, it was taboo for a palace maid to be close to the prince... After all, eunuchs could only be loyal to the emperor.

Zhang Yanling smiled and said, "It's about something that I can't tell anyone for now. I just want to ask Eunuch Chen to give a few words to the Empress Dowager to help the Crown Prince accomplish great things."

This is also the reason why Zhang Yanling came to find Chen Gui.

If Zhu Youtang just went to Queen Mother Zhou to plead for him, Queen Mother Zhou would generally not intervene given her smooth and worldly-wise attitude.

Even if they wanted to intervene, at most they would just give a mild punishment, such as finding someone to replace the wood and stone materials of Wanhe Temple and renovate it... It is unlikely that Liang Fang and Wei Xing would be completely killed.

But if there is someone fanning the flames, deliberately escalating the conflict, and then appropriately provoking the old lady, the situation will be very different.

This person can only be someone close to the Queen Mother whom she trusts.

Chen Gui is the most suitable.

Chen Gui said, "If this is why your father asked you to come here, Master Zhang, please go back. Our family never interferes in the disputes in the court."

Zhang Yanling smiled and said, "Eunuch Chen, please don't rush to refuse. I'm sure you know that my father has always been disgusted with the wrongdoings of Liang Fang, Wei Xing and others. He once impeached them and almost lost his job because of it."

When Chen Gui heard this, he instantly became interested.

He and Wei Xing were in a competitive relationship. Wei Xing had Liang Fang as his backer, while Chen Gui had Queen Dowager Zhou as a big tree for shade.

The problem is that Wei Xing is Liang Fang's top general, with connections all over the palace and outside, and he has a much greater advantage than him. If Wei Xing takes over in the future, with the hostile attitude between the two now, Chen Gui will definitely not be able to survive in the Imperial Household Department. It is impossible for him to step back and be the second in command, so he can only be transferred to another place...

But the job of an eunuch is one job for one person. The second and third in command of the Imperial Household Department who were kicked out would probably not even be fit to carry shoes if they went to other government offices.

"So what?"

Chen Gui asked again, and his attitude softened a lot.

Only if we have a common enemy can we talk things over.

Zhang Yanling smiled and said, "This time, Liang Fang and Wei Xing were the first to commit crimes. If we oppose them, we will have the upper hand morally. But the problem is that my father is alone and unable to impeach them. He is also in the Hanlin Academy now and does not want to cause any more disputes with others. But this matter is related to the Queen Mother's cultivation, so we can only... ask the Crown Prince to go and make a request."

Chen Gui nodded first, then a hint of sarcasm appeared on his face: "When encountering illegal things, your father did not go to impeach, but asked the prince to take action. Your father is really a good trick!"

Zhang Yanling smiled and asked, "So you think my father didn't dare to mention it because he was afraid of trouble?"

"This……"

Chen Gui was speechless for a moment.

Zhang Luan is afraid of trouble?

When he first entered the court, he finally managed to get the actual position of Minister of the Ministry of Rites. He first submitted a memorial to impeach Liang Fang and Wei Juan, and then impeached Li Zisheng... He was simply a reckless and courageous person.

It seems indisputable that Zhang Luan's abilities are mediocre.

But to say that Zhang Luan is afraid of trouble is too far-fetched.

"The reason why my father brought up this matter with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is because Liang Fang and Wei Xing committed a big taboo, extending their dirty hands to places they shouldn't, and also offended the Eastern Palace... Isn't it the most appropriate thing for the Eastern Palace to take the initiative to launch a counterattack at this time?" Zhang Yanling argued.

Chen Gui thought about it and suddenly felt that Zhang Luan was a little unfathomable.

This new noble in the court is not only unafraid of trouble, he also dares to bring things to the prince and ask him to come forward to report and expose the truth... Only people like Chen Gui who often accompany the Queen Mother Zhou know that the emperor has always complained that the prince is cowardly and unworthy of being reused. Doesn't this give the prince confidence?
How audacious!
"So, you need my help?"

Chen Gui asked cautiously.

"Yes."

Zhang Yanling continued with a smile, "After all, the Crown Prince has never had such a precedent of competing with others. Even if he were to bring it up with the Empress Dowager, there would inevitably be omissions. But if you, Eunuch Chen, were to assist him, it would be much easier."

Chen Gui said: "I can't interfere with the Queen Mother's ideas."

"I didn't ask you to speak openly for the Crown Prince. I just asked you to lean towards the Crown Prince when the Queen Mother summoned you for questioning."

Zhang Yanling sighed, "Nowadays, everyone in the palace covets the job of the Imperial Household Department, because the Imperial Household Department is fully responsible for the expenses of the palace. Only someone as cautious and prudent as Eunuch Chen, who takes the overall situation into consideration, is qualified to be in charge of the Imperial Household Department and will not be disrupted by scoundrels."

Chen Gui immediately understood that this was Zhang Yanling's suggestion for an alliance. If you help the crown prince, it means you have established a good relationship with him in advance. Then, even if you are squeezed out by Wei Xing in the future, the crown prince will help you get to the top.

Or you can completely rely on the Queen Mother to support you... but I'm afraid... the Queen Mother has no intention of making decisions for you.

Besides, can’t you tell the difference between the Crown Prince and the Queen Mother?

Can't you tell who can help you in your future?

Chen Gui asked, "What exactly is going on?"

Zhang Yanling smiled and said, "It's hard to say. In a few days, when His Royal Highness the Crown Prince goes to Qingning Palace, I will ask Eunuch Chen... to give you more advice and assistance. I hope you will accept this small gift. In the future... we will also rely on you."

Chen Gui smiled and said, "I don't deserve it. As for the future queen's family, we should obey them."

……

……

The second day of April.

It was the day before Empress Dowager Zhou was to receive her title. This was the day Zhu Youtang came to pay his respects to Empress Dowager Zhou, but contrary to his usual practice, he did not bring his newlywed wife with him.

According to the custom during the Chenghua period, Zhu Jianshen paid his respects to Empress Dowager Zhou once every five days. He did not want his son to appear to be more filial than him, so he asked Crown Prince Zhu Youtang to strictly follow this standard.

Historical records record that Zhu Jianshen met Empress Dowager Zhou "once every five days and had banquets with her." Considering the emperor's busy schedule, he was considered a very filial emperor during the entire Ming Dynasty.

Zhu Youtang arrived at Qingning Palace and waited for a long time before he saw Empress Dowager Zhou in person.

Normally, Queen Mother Zhou would worship Buddha twice a day and was extremely pious.

"Grandmother, Yu'er felt unwell today, and my grandson had something to tell you, so I didn't let her come with you." Zhu Youtang explained why he came alone.

Queen Mother Zhou smiled and said, "After getting married, you still remember to visit Grandmother often, which shows how filial you are. I only say this because the little girl beside you is not here... Actually, you don't have to bring her here every time. Sometimes Grandmother wants to say something unpleasant to you, but she doesn't know how to say it."

When Zhu Youtang heard this, he realized that his royal grandmother was very scheming.

You actually have something to teach me in person? You don't want my good daughter to hear it?

I'm sorry, no matter what happens, I will tell her everything. This is my loyalty to Yu'er.

"You guys should step back first."

Queen Mother Zhou waved her hand, meaning that others should not come and disturb her.

After everyone left, Queen Mother Zhou said, "Prince, if you have anything to say, you can just tell me. There is no one else here."

Zhu Youtang said respectfully: "My grandson heard that the Empress Dowager will be promoted to the title of Imperial Insignia tomorrow, so I am here to congratulate you."

"Look at what you said... Whether you congratulate me or not, I will do it. I know you have the intention, but this is not a big deal. Are you afraid that your concubine will hear it? There must be something else..."

Having said this, Queen Mother Zhou rolled her eyes at her grandson.

Are you still beating around the bush, kid?
Zhu Youtang then stammered, "Grandson has something to ask the Royal Grandmother."

"what?"

Queen Mother Zhou was very confused. It seemed that her grandson really had something wrong.

Zhu Youtang said, "I heard that the Empress Dowager is going to worship Buddha outside the palace on this year's Buddha Bathing Festival. Is this true?"

Queen Mother Zhou thought about it for a while and felt that there was no problem, so she asked back: "Why do you suddenly bring this up?"

Obviously, given the Queen Mother Zhou's shrewdness, she would not give a direct answer before she knew her grandson's purpose.

"It's like this... Grandson begs... Grandmother, please don't go..."

Zhu Youtang stammered.

Queen Mother Zhou's face suddenly turned gloomy. She didn't think her grandson was acting rashly, and there must be some "unspeakable secret" behind it.

This was also the speaking strategy that Zhang Yu had previously formulated for Zhu Youtang.

"Grandson, if you have something to say, just tell me."

Queen Mother Zhou frowned and said, "Is there something wrong that worries you? Or do you just think that leaving the palace to worship Buddha is inappropriate? I have never been a stubborn person. As long as what you say makes sense, I will listen to you."

Zhu Youtang said, "Grandmother, you asked me to tell you, so I will tell you clearly... I heard that someone is using Wanhe Temple to rebuild it, and that you are going to worship Buddha there. They are making a big fuss about it, encouraging the people to donate for it, and frantically collecting money. I am afraid that this will ruin your cultivation."

"Is there such a thing?"

Queen Mother Zhou breathed a sigh of relief, her expression softened, and she said with a smile, "Anyone who does this is quite courageous. But if it is a commoner who sincerely wants to help me build a Buddhist temple and accumulate merit, it is not impossible."

"This is what I really think is wrong... When rebuilding the Buddhist temple, some people arbitrarily appropriated the project funds and used inferior materials as good ones. The whole project can be said to be gilded on the outside but rotten on the inside. They used old bricks, tiles and wood collected from abandoned palaces, collapsed temples and even demolished houses to rebuild Wanhe Temple.

"If the Buddha knew about this, he would definitely blame the believers for being insincere... How could such an unqualified Buddhist temple allow the Empress Dowager to condescend to worship?"

Zhu Youtang finally said what he wanted to say according to the established strategy.

It can be said that it is getting deeper and deeper, which has whetted the appetite of Empress Dowager Zhou.

When Empress Dowager Zhou heard this, her face turned as black as the bottom of a pot. She was about to explode with curses and smash things. But for someone who claimed to have practiced Buddhism for many years, the main thing was to avoid anger and impatience, and to not show one's emotions on one's face. So she could only try her best to suppress the anger that was about to burst out.

"Grandson, where did you hear this?"

Queen Mother Zhou asked seriously.

Zhu Youtang said: "It was someone outside the palace who told my grandson."

Queen Mother Zhou asked: "Who is it? Can you tell me?"

"can."

Zhu Youtang said respectfully, "It is Yu'er's father, Zhang Hanlin, who is now a compiler in the Hanlin Academy. He previously impeached Liang Fang, Wei Juan, and Li Zisheng, and because of this he lost his position as the Minister of the Honglu Temple and was transferred to the Hanlin Academy by my father to edit books."

"Who did your father-in-law impeach? Li Zisheng?"

Queen Mother Zhou was very surprised.

What tricks are you doing?
It was clear that when your beloved concubine entered the palace, it was Li Zisheng who planned everything behind the scenes. He even went so far as to reveal his identity to plead for mercy with me. But Zhang Luan turned around and impeached Li Zisheng?

There must be a conspiracy!

Zhu Youtang nodded heavily: "Yes."

Queen Mother Zhou frowned, obviously she didn't understand this matter. Also, because she usually didn't interfere in state affairs, no one had ever mentioned related matters to her.

"Do you know who is responsible for rebuilding Wan'an Temple, Prince?"

Queen Mother Zhou raised the question again.

"do not know."

Zhu Youtang shook his head and said, "But my grandson guessed that it should be someone from the Imperial Household Department, or Liang Fang was remotely controlling it from behind. But he might not know that the people below were messing around and embezzling the funds for repairing the Buddhist temple. I have no idea what the specific situation is."

"Then this matter is quite serious... It's fine that you usually take bribes and pervert the law, but now you are plotting against me. You mentioned this to me out of filial piety, and I think you did a good job... Don't worry, I will find someone to investigate the matter later and get to the bottom of it."

Queen Mother Zhou looked normal and didn't seem very angry at all.

Zhu Youtang was very curious.

For such a serious matter, the Empress Dowager just said that she would find someone to investigate it thoroughly, and then she let it go so easily?

Obviously, Zhu Youtang was overly concerned about right and wrong, and did not understand the interests behind the scenes. It is difficult to understand why the old lady, as the person who was cheated, was so calm.

(End of this chapter)