Uncle from a poor family

Chapter 299 The Prince Leaves the Palace
When Zhang Yanling and Qin Zhao were riding in a carriage on their way to Wanhe Temple, they happened to meet Pang Qing's carriage returning.

"Is that Mr. Zhang in the car ahead?"

Pang Qing stopped the carriage and asked.

Zhang Yanling lifted the carriage curtain and saw that it was Pang Qing, and immediately replied, "That's right."

Pang Qing got off the car immediately and stood by the roadside to greet Zhang Yanling attentively: "Haha, Second Young Master, I didn't expect to meet you here. I thought I had missed you before!"

In the past, Pang Qing felt that Zhang Yanling showed a maturity far beyond his age. After today's events, he knew that the Zhang Mansion's external publicity matters were basically handled by this kid. His doubts about whether Zhang Luan had real talent and knowledge deepened again.

Zhang Yanling and Manager Qin got off the carriage together. Qin Zhao cast a curious look at Pang Qing, thinking that he was a person who was trying to curry favor with the powerful. Zhang Yanling smiled and asked, "Mr. Pang, why are you here?"

"I sent your father here."

Pang Qing pointed to the temple behind him and said with a smile, "No, it's right over there. I saw Captain Qin Yunqin of the Jinyiwei before."

Zhang Yanling said, "Mr. Pang, are you worried that Captain Qin will say something? Don't worry, Captain Qin will keep your affairs a secret and will never leak a word to anyone."

Pang Qing shook his head: "It's nothing. Originally, my Taoist master was ordered by the emperor to repair Wanhe Temple, but he transferred the important task to your mansion and the prince. I just came here to take a look. Now that I see that your mansion is so well prepared, I feel relieved. It's just right for me to go back and report to the Taoist master."

"Then I won't bother Mr. Pang anymore. We are still waiting to welcome the Crown Prince." Zhang Yanling said.

"Then let's talk later."

After Pang Qing finished speaking, he nodded towards Qin Zhao.

Qin Zhao was embarrassed.

At first she thought that the person in front of her was an insignificant little person, otherwise how could he be so polite and respectful to a child like Zhang Yanling. When she heard from their conversation that this person was the chief steward of Li Zisheng's mansion, she was immediately shocked and felt that the Zhang family's current status was truly extraordinary.

Zhang Yanling watched Pang Qing's carriage leave, then turned around and found Qin Zhao looking at him strangely. He couldn't help but ask curiously, "What's wrong?"

Qin Zhao came back to his senses and said with a smile: "Nothing, I just didn't expect that the person just now was Li Yintai's housekeeper Pang Qing Pang Bingkun. He is very famous in the capital, but I didn't expect him to be so approachable."

"It's nothing. Even Mr. Li is so friendly and easy-going when he comes to our house... Mr. Qin, it's only 200 to 300 steps from here to the temple. How about we walk there?"

Zhang Yanling replied casually, and then said, "Speaking of which, there are indeed many people who come here to worship. Last time I came with my father, the carriage had to stop at the foot of the mountain. Later, we walked to the temple gate. It was crowded and we almost couldn't get in. Today we are close to the temple, how about we go in and worship together?"

"It's a few steps here and there, why not take a walk?"

Qin Zhao smiled and said, "But forget about burning incense. It's more important to complete the task."

Zhang Yanling said, "We have plenty of time. We can do it anytime. I have talked to the craftsmen who came to inspect the site. They said that replacing the old materials and renovating it would only take one or two days. If we work day and night, it may be completed in one day and one night. There is no need to rush."

Qin Zhao shook his head: "This concerns the Queen Mother's Buddhist practice. I don't know how many eyes are watching her. It's better not to neglect it."

"makes sense."

Zhang Yanling did not force Qin Zhao and took him to the gate of Wanhe Temple.

At this time, Zhang Luan was sitting on the steps in front of Wanhe Temple, watching a group of people busying around there, and couldn't help feeling a little bored.

"My son."

When Zhang Yanling's figure came into view, Zhang Luan stood up hurriedly as if he had seen a savior, and took two steps at a time to meet him.

Qin Zhao bowed respectfully to Zhang Luan and said, "Greetings, Zhang Hanlin."

"Hey, Mr. Qin? Didn't you say you were not in the capital some time ago? Why... are you here?" Zhang Luan had almost treated Qin Zhao as a transparent person. To him, his son was the most important person in the world now.

Qin Zhao smiled and said, "I went to Tongzhou a few days ago and was in charge of the allocation of goods, but I didn't stay there for long before I rushed back to the capital."

Zhang Yanling asked, "Dad, why are you sitting here? Why don't you go into the temple and take a look?"

Zhang Luan looked back and shook his head, saying, "Last time I came, there were too many people. This time, there were only a group of workers inside. I'm not used to it for a while, and I'm afraid that I'll hinder the craftsmen from doing their work after I go in."

"There are no craftsmen inside, mostly soldiers from the Beijing garrison... Dad should know that all the royal projects around the capital are being done by soldiers from the Beijing garrison. Why didn't Dad bring more people with him this time? Aren't you worried about your own safety?"

Zhang Yanling looked around and asked in surprise.

Zhang Luan sighed, "I get angry when I talk about this. You said that Pang was the same. He came to our house and asked me to come here anxiously. He thought the prince had already arrived and I was the only one missing.

"As a result, I didn't even bring my servants, let alone ride in our carriage. When we arrived at the destination, he unloaded everyone and ran away first, leaving me alone."

Qin Zhao was speechless after hearing this.

What kind of people are these?
He is the chief steward of Li Zi's government, a top distinguished guest in the political and business circles of the capital. He sent you here, and you still complain that he is causing trouble for you?
It turns out that the people in your family have a completely different way of thinking from others.

Your son's performance is so outstanding that it is hard to understand, while you are just the opposite. You repeatedly break through your limits and surprise everyone.

Zhang Yanling said with a smile: "Master Qin, I am sorry to have embarrassed you."

"How?"

Qin Zhao said politely, "Zhang Hanlin is a relative of the Eastern Palace and has now established a firm foothold in the Imperial Academy. The heroic spirit in his speech is soaring to the sky, which is beyond the reach of ordinary people like us."

Zhang Luan felt somewhat proud when he heard this.

I thought to myself, that’s right, I’m very arrogant now, I don’t even take Pang Qing seriously.

Zhang Yanling said, "Dad, after all, you are the one who assists the prince. Let's go in and take a look at the site first. I will also tell you the details. When we meet the prince later, you can explain the situation to him in detail."

"Forget it."

Zhang Luan waved his hand and said, "The prince is your brother-in-law. You, as his brother-in-law, can talk about it yourself. I won't get involved. That's a matter for you young people."

Qin Zhao heard this tone...

It's really huge.

You really don't consider yourself a member of the royal family!
……

……

The prince had to leave the palace and the city. Although there were not many etiquettes, a large number of guards had to be mobilized to protect him when leaving the palace, which demonstrated the prince's lofty status in the Ming Dynasty.

After all, he is the crown prince and the second in command of the Ming Dynasty. Although this time the civil and military officials in the court were not alarmed, the palace still sent the eunuch Chen Gui to cooperate. The Jinyiwei was led by the commander Zhu Ji himself to protect the emperor. The team that came to Wanhe Temple in advance to maintain order was also carefully arranged by Zhu Ji to ensure the absolute safety of the prince.

After Liang Fang and Wei Xing fell, Zhu Ji did his utmost to please the prince, and the only thing missing was to demonstrate his loyalty to him.

Near noon, the prince's ceremonial procession finally arrived at Wanhe Temple.

At this time, Zhu Youtang was dressed in casual clothes. After getting off the carriage at the foot of the mountain, he walked briskly.

This was his first chance to leave the palace and the city freely. He didn't have to follow a set route and could even stop to enjoy the scenery along the way. This was the most comfortable thing for him besides his usual studies.

Zhang Luan saw his son-in-law coming from a distance, and quickly pulled his son by his side, saying, "Yanling, look, your brother-in-law looks exactly the same as the last time we met, but he seems to be in better spirits."

Zhang Yanling said: "After getting married and having a family, the yin and yang are in harmony, and your complexion will be better."

Qin Zhao, who was behind the two men, couldn't help but frown after hearing this.

I thought, is this what I can hear?
Qin Yun was in high spirits at this time. He led his men to line up neatly on both sides of the road, with their heads held high and their eyes firm, as if they were waiting for the prince to inspect them.

Zhang Luan took Zhang Yanling with him and walked over.

Qin Zhaoze did not follow and chose to stay where he was.

"Your servant Zhang Luan pays homage to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince." Zhang Luan began to pay homage from a distance to show that he was well versed in court etiquette.

Zhu Youtang was shocked by his father-in-law's sudden move. He was stunned for a moment, then rushed over to help him: "Father-in-law, you don't have to be so polite. It should be the younger generation who bows to you."

Chen Gui beside him said with a smile: "Your Highness, you are the king and he is the minister. It is only right for me to pay respect to you. Heaven, Earth, King, Parents, and Teacher, you are above him."

The crown prince is also a prince.

When people around thought about it, they felt that there was nothing wrong with what he said.

Zhu Ji quickly called on the people behind him to enter Wanhe Temple to set up control and firmly block all the blind spots in defense that might threaten the safety of the prince.

Zhang Luan stood up straight and said in high spirits, "It has been two months since I met the Crown Prince. I wonder how the Crown Prince is doing recently?"

"so far so good."

Zhu Youtang said as he took out Zhang Yu's letter from his bosom and said impatiently, "Father-in-law, this is your daughter, the Crown Princess...she asked me to give it to you. There is also a letter to Yanling...is he Yanling?"

After saying that, he looked at the young man standing behind Zhang Luan.

Zhang Yanling stepped forward and bowed: "Your Highness, I am Zhang Yanling. I greet your Highness the Crown Prince."

Zhang Luan asked in surprise, "The prince didn't recognize him? When the bride was welcomed that day, Yanling was standing aside."

Zhu Youtang looked very embarrassed.

Although this was the second time he met Zhang Yanling, he had no time to pay attention to a young boy in the crowd last time.
After spending these two months with Zhang Yu day and night, I finally learned that there was a very capable young man in the Zhang family who planned the entire process from obtaining the local tribute from Zhang Luan to Zhang Yu's selection as the Crown Princess. Only then did I realize that his brother-in-law was the little Zhuge Liang of the modern era.

Zhang Yanling said, "Father, let's not talk here for now. The key is to quickly invite the prince to the Wanhe Temple and meet the abbot of the Wanhe Temple and Zen Master Jueyi and other talents."

"Meeting whom?"

Zhang Luan frowned.

I thought to myself, no one told me that I would need to meet the abbot and the Zen master.

Zhang Yanling explained: "Father, you may not know that many temples in Beijing have monks from all over the country, especially Western monks. There are such monks in Wanhe Temple, and many of them are high-ranking monks with titles conferred by the court."

Zhang Luan declined: "I don't know him, so I'd better not go and meet him."

Zhu Youtang was stunned when he heard this.

He turned his head to glance at Zhang Luan, as if to say, how come you said what I wanted to say?
If you don't want to see it, I don't want to see it either!
Chen Gui knew the prince's character and knew that the young master was afraid of meeting strangers, so he stepped forward and said, "Second Master, let's put aside the matter of meeting the monks for now. Why don't we take the prince for a walk around Wanhe Temple and explain the difficulties and key points of the renovation. This way, when the prince returns to the palace and is asked about it, he will be able to answer with ease."

"Yes, yes, yes. Your Highness, please follow my son to the temple. My son is usually very smart. If you ask him anything, he will know more clearly than asking me."

Zhang Luan seemed very polite.

It seemed that she had no intention of competing with her son for the credit.

Zhang Yanling wanted to stamp his feet after hearing this, and could not help but grab Zhang Luan from behind, as if to remind his old father to act more impressively and stop being a coward.

Zhu Youtang looked at the gate of Wanhe Temple, which seemed like a den of dragons and tigers. However, he suppressed the great discomfort in his heart and said loudly: "Then please ask father-in-law and Yanling to accompany me in for a walk. If we encounter anyone or anything on the way, I... I don't know how to deal with it."

Chen Gui consoled him, "I am here with you, and I can give you some pointers."

"Good work."

Zhu Youtang was very polite and expressed his gratitude to Chen Gui with a smile.

This move made Chen Gui excited.

When had he ever enjoyed such courtesy from the Emperor and the Empress Dowager before?

Zhu Youtang was about to enter the temple when he suddenly saw a woman standing at the door. He glanced over there curiously, then stopped and did not move forward.

Zhang Yanling pointed at Qin Zhao, who had adjusted her clothes countless times at the door, and said with a smile, "I forgot to introduce her to the prince. This Qin is a merchant from Huizhou. It was all thanks to her that we were able to raise the stone and wood materials for the temple repair in the first place."

"Good work."

Zhu Youtang's main point is to treat everyone equally. He even nodded to express his gratitude to a strange female merchant, which moved Qin Zhao so much that he burst into tears and felt the urge to die for the prince.

……

……

Zhang Luan and his son accompanied Zhu Youtang on a tour around Wanhe Temple.

In fact, it has no practical significance, because Zhu Youtang will neither repair the house nor stay to be a supervisor. Including Zhang Luan and Zhang Yanling, the three of them will not actually contribute much to this matter. At most, they will be cheerleaders. Walking around in the crowd in such a fair and open manner is regarded as a reminder to the people working...

You are working for the Crown Prince, the future Emperor. If you perform well, you will be rewarded and have a bright future...

Soon Zhu Ji escorted Zhu Youtang back to the city, and even Chen Gui followed.

Zhang Luan stood at the gate of Wanhe Temple. At this moment, he looked more like the abbot of Wanhe Temple. He looked up at the convoy going away and sighed sincerely: "I never thought that I, Zhang Laizhan, would have this day."

At this time, Qin Zhao had gone to arrange the transportation of stone and wood. Only the Zhang family father and son were left at the temple gate. Zhang Yanling, who had no scruples, asked with a smile: "Father, do you think you have become famous?"

"Son, the prince's character...is not very good, huh?"

Zhang Luan changed the subject and said, "I think I understand why Liang Fang and the others dared to participate in the matter of changing the crown prince. Perhaps the crown prince himself still has many shortcomings."

"Hey, you know this again?"

Zhang Yanling said in a mocking tone.

Zhang Luan pursed his lips and said, "I am not blind, nor am I deaf, nor am I blind. I can see clearly what the prince is like. He is too weak and has no courage at all. He doesn't look like... a ruler!"

Zhang Yanling reminded: "Dad, he is your daughter's husband, the guarantee of our Zhang family's future prosperity and wealth. What you said is very unpleasant to hear."

"Pleasant-sounding words are not good advice, but what I said is fair to the point!"

Zhang Luan said, "Last time he came to pick up the bride, we didn't talk much, so I didn't feel anything. But now that we are together normally, I can clearly feel it. I seem to understand why His Majesty has always wanted to change the crown prince."

Zhang Yanling said, "Dad, isn't this good? If the prince is exceptionally wise and powerful, what does it have to do with you and me?"

"I……"

Zhang Luan instantly felt that he was choked by his son's words.

"Dad, you may have to stay here for the next two days... If you have anything to say, go and contact Qin Dangjia herself or someone she sends. I have other things to do here, so I won't accompany you."

After saying this, Zhang Yanling ran away.

Zhang Luan grabbed him and asked, "Hey, you...you...you're leaving now, what should I do?"

"Isn't there a carriage reserved for you? There are many people available for dispatch, and my brother will come over later. What are you afraid of?"

Zhang Yanling said, "Someone from the Ministry of Industry may come to inspect in the afternoon, so you have to come out to receive them. The rest is to walk around and take a look. If you find anyone being lazy, just remind them."

"Damn it, I don't know how to build a house. What do I have to do here? Why should I stay here?" Zhang Luan seemed speechless.

But there was nothing we could do.

It seemed that he himself knew that he was the most suitable person to do this kind of supervisory job, because his son was going to do big things, writing stories, writing plays, opening a storytelling hall, and running a workshop, all of which depended on his precious son, so he had to take on all the responsibilities here.

(End of this chapter)