Uncle from a poor family

Chapter 702 Public and Private

Zhang Yanling just wanted to confirm whether Huai En knew of his existence that day.

If he knew about it, it could be that Qin Ji told him, it could be that Huai En observed it himself, or it could be that the emperor revealed it.

Since you don’t know…

That means the emperor and Qin Ji have intentionally concealed many things from you.

You, Huai'en, seem to be the backbone of the court, and no one can do without you, but in the eyes of some people, you may not really be what you imagine.

Zhang Yanling said, "My father always said that when it comes to important military matters in the court, we should listen to the opinions of those who have served in the Ministry of War and have made great achievements."

Huai En's face turned cold, and he asked, "Is this the reason why your father tried so hard to excuse Wang Shichang?"

Zhang Yanling understood it immediately.

Huai En seemed very dissatisfied with Zhang Luan's excuse for Wang Yue.

This time he did not talk to Zhang Luan directly, but spoke frankly in front of this young boy. It was obvious that he wanted to blame Zhang Luan, but did not want to break up with him directly, so he found a middleman to mediate and avoid the conflict from escalating quickly.

If it was brought up directly in front of Zhang Luan, it would be embarrassing for everyone, but if it was relayed by his son Zhang Yanling, the tension would be much less.

Zhang Yanling pretended to be surprised and asked, "Wang Shichang...Eunuch Huai, are you talking about the former Weining Earl Wang Yue? Although he was once the Minister of War, he never worked in the Ministry of War. What does it have to do with him?"
"In ancient times, there was Yue Wumu, and now there is Wang Weining. This rumor has spread widely among the people, which shows how dissatisfied the people are with the injustice suffered by heroes.

"My father appreciated Wang Yue's contribution to the Ming Dynasty, so he suggested to Your Majesty that he be pardoned, but he never said that he would listen to his opinion. It was more of a manifestation of Your Majesty's generosity and kindness, which won the wholehearted support of the ministers and the people."

Huai En smiled and said, "Your father was quite thoughtful. He actually let Wang Shichang move to the capital and be employed at any time. It's hard to say. There must be some tricks..."

Zhang Yanling frowned upon hearing this and asked, "What does Eunuch Huai want to say? Are you suspecting that Wang Weining has informed my father? As far as I know, this has never happened before... My father has no connection with this person. If Eunuch Huai doesn't believe it, you can send someone to investigate."

Huai En thought, your father is a powerful official in the dynasty. If he helps someone, whoever comes to the capital will surely return the favor, right?

Especially Wang Yue's naturally bent legs that can't be straightened...

Your father is good at choosing partners when helping others.

and many more!

How much does this matter have to do with you?

Could it be that you, little guy, are secretly reminding your father that as long as you show a little favor to Wang Shichang, Wang Shichang can be used by you and your son in the future?

Why do I feel more and more that you are a dangerous person?

Zhang Yanling saw Huai En looking him up and down, and said with a straight face: "Regarding the matter of Piantou Pass, my father actually doesn't want to say more. Although the Tatars' invasion was as my father expected, there was almost no mistake, but because of the unexpected incident in the middle, they can no longer act completely according to God's will. It is impossible to predict whether they want to take revenge or retreat.

"The local garrison... since they have noticed the Tatars' movements, they should be prepared and won't be taken advantage of by the enemy, right?"

Huai En said: "To fight, food and weapons are indispensable, and these must be raised now..."

"Well...my father is really too tired, let him take a rest."

Zhang Yanling said with a bitter face, "Eunuch Huai can find someone else to take charge of this matter. My father said that his ability is limited. Now that the little grain stored in our family has been handed over, the whole family is tightening their belts."

Huai En asked: "Did your family donate all the stored grain?"

"Yes." Zhang Yanling said with a sincere look, "Not only that, we have donated everything we can, otherwise where would we get so much money and food after the New Year?
"My father even has to rely on others for help recently so that he can have a good meal and drink a little wine... Of course, after he got sick, these can be avoided as much as possible."

Huai En was frightened when he heard this.

Doesn’t this kid think before he tells lies?
After all, your family is the father-in-law of the emperor, and yet you still have to rely on others for support to survive?
Who will help?
Your Majesty and the Queen?

Or Li Zisheng?

Zhang Yanling said, "Business is not good after the New Year. Our family is running at a big loss. My father can't take care of it now. I have limited ability and can only make up for it as much as I can. As spring is approaching, merchants from all over the country are starting to move around, but our family... Alas!"

Huai En asked: "Then...what does your father think of the next military operation at Piantou Pass?"

Zhang Yanling shook his head and said, "My father said, let's take it one step at a time."

"Does he really not want to participate?"

Huai En said, "Your father has a very unique vision in controlling the current situation... Now His Majesty has transferred Li Zisheng to be the governor of Shanxi. You have already known about this, right? Once it comes to the governor's affairs, it involves all aspects of local military and political affairs. Even if your father does not want to participate, can't you assist from the level of the capital?"

Zhang Yanling asked in confusion: "Eunuch Huai, do you think my father has that ability? He is an official in the capital, can he help the governor of Shanxi? What help can he give? Please forgive my stupidity, I don't understand what Eunuch Huai means. I am embarrassed to tell my father this, let alone how to ask him."

Huai En asked meaningfully: "Little uncle, do you know how much power a governor has?"

"do not know."

Zhang Yanling shook his head blankly.

Huai En said: "Then do you know how much money and grain a governor handles in a year? How much authority does he have in matters such as local apportionment and military pay, military affairs, and the promotion and dismissal of officials?"

Zhang Yanling was stunned. After a long while, he asked, "Eunuch Huai, are you testing me? I really don't know these..."

Huai En smiled and said, "If your father has something to ask, won't he discuss it with you?"

"Sometimes they do discuss things, but usually they involve business matters, family expenses, etc. When it comes to court affairs, he almost never mentions them in front of his family."

Zhang Yanling looked frank as he continued, "My father has always kept a clear distinction between public and private matters. He always taught us not to ask about things we don't understand and to leave professional matters to professionals so that there won't be any mistakes. I have always followed his teachings and avoided interfering without authorization."

Just hearing this, Huai En felt it was too fake.

You, Zhang Yanling, directly inquired about the military affairs of the northwest in front of the emperor, but you did not follow your father's teachings.

Everyone in the court knows that your father has a long arm, and he seems to want to be involved in everything. As for the distinction between public and private...

He is the father-in-law of the emperor and he got to his position through nepotism. How could he still dream of distinguishing between public and private affairs?

What a liar!
"Eunuch Huai, do you want my father to give you some effective suggestions for tomorrow's court meeting? If there is a real need, I will go and tell my father right away and let him speak out his thoughts on his sickbed. I will hurry up and maybe I can inform you in time."

After saying this, Zhang Yanling showed a determined look on his face, as if as long as Huai En had any needs, he would try his best to satisfy them.

"No need."

Huai En stood up and said, "I have already wasted a lot of time coming here. It's time to go meet others... Your Majesty is very worried that someone will say something about the Northwest's employment and military affairs at the court tomorrow, so you have to say hello in advance."

Zhang Yanling stood up and said respectfully, "Thank you for your hard work, Eunuch Huai... How can we say that the court cannot do without you, Eunuch Huai? In the open and in the dark, is there anything that does not require your presence? I will see you out..."

(End of this chapter)