Tang Dynasty Xie Lu Lang

Chapter 59 Elder brother is like father
Previously, the Jinwu Guards suddenly entered the neighborhood and surrounded the Zhang family mansion, which naturally caused great fright to everyone in the Zhang family. They still feel scared when they think about it.

But if we talk about pure shock, Zhang's words were equally shocking, even more so than the previous family changes for people like Zhang Jun. After all, the previous family changes were traceable and noticeable, but this incident was completely beyond his understanding.

It was like an ordinary stepping stone in front of his house, which was one day identified as a flawless piece of Hetian jade, and was even carved into a priceless jade disk!

However, before Zhang Jun could fully digest this, his son's screams and wails from across the courtyard filled his ears again. Without time to think carefully, he quickly said, "Even if this son has made great contributions to the family, he is arrogant and even beat up his relatives after returning home. This, this is really..."

"Shouldn't I teach you a lesson?"

Zhang Shuo glared at the words, then turned to look at the young men who had previously beaten and punished the servants and said in a deep voice, "In the past, you sons relied on your family's power and behaved recklessly. Don't think I was completely unaware. Although the family crisis has ended, we have no power anymore. From now on, you must cultivate your character and be careful with your words and actions!"

"For example, today, as soon as the soldiers have left, you have already flogged and humiliated your servants and carried out arbitrary and lynchings. If you are then accused and blamed, how can you save yourself? Now that I have retired and returned home, I have plenty of time to rectify the family traditions. If you still don't behave yourself, it is better to be flogged in court than to be punished in the yamen!"

Although Zhang Shuo no longer had power, he still held great authority in the family. When the other family members heard his scolding, they all bowed their heads in agreement and did not dare to speak out in rebuttal.

After scolding his family, Zhang Shuocai said to Zhang Jun, "As a father, you don't know the talents of your son. You have failed to supervise him. Today, Zongzhi is willing to discipline the child on your behalf. This should be a pleasure for you.

In the past, my elder brother taught me, sometimes using the cane and harsh words on me, but this made me wary and mindful, and I still benefit from it. Brothers are kind and respectful to each other, sharing joys and sorrows. They, the younger generation, should also do the same and not make a fuss about it or consider it a family disgrace.

Zhang Jun was very angry when he heard his father's words defending the rebellious son: Your elder brother disciplined you because your father died early, but I am still here now. Does that kid take me seriously?
Of course he didn't dare say this out loud, and had to bow his head and respond respectfully. He couldn't help but feel distressed when he heard the kicking and wailing sounds from across the yard.

"Alang, stop hitting me! Alang..."

Yingniang and her daughter were delighted to see Zhang Dai return, but when they saw that he had beaten Zhang Chang until his face was covered in blood, Yingniang was worried that he would get into trouble. Before the ropes around his body were completely untied, she repeatedly tried to dissuade him.

But Zhang Dai had been simmering with resentment for a long time, so how could he hold back? Although his previous efforts in submitting the letter to the bronze box and meeting the emperor had gone smoothly and he had gained a lot, it didn't mean that these things were without risks. Even Zhang Shuo had to admit that he was indeed risking his life to save his family.

He didn't have to take these risks, and Yingniang and her daughter didn't have to suffer such shock and humiliation. It was all because someone in the Zhang family reported it!
Although he is not sure who the informer is, but a closer look reveals that this is a family scandal. Zhang Shuo, who has just experienced a dangerous political struggle, will not let this disturb the peace of his family. So he can only take revenge in his own way. Whoever is most similar will be unlucky!

"Luo Nu, please let go... Liu Lang... Brother, please let me go!"

Zhang Dai punched down without holding back. Zhang Zheng, who was pinned against the railing, was already in tears. He was still holding on at first, but no one came to rescue him, which made him panic. He couldn't help crying and begging for mercy.

But Zhang Dai still didn't stop. Because of his excitement and excessive movements, the wound on his head began to swell and ache again. Although he had hit it himself, if he hadn't had a backup plan, he would have been afraid that those people would not let him go even if he screamed at the top of his lungs.

Even if we don't talk about the issue of whether to inform or not, I have risked my life outside, and you have been bullying me at home and beating up my loyal servants. Shouldn't this be settled?

"Ah Lang, Ah Lang, please stop. I am fine. Don't, don't anger the head of the household again..."

After untying the ropes on her body, Aying stepped forward to untie Ding Cang. Although he was covered in bruises, he was still worried that Zhang Dai would anger the elders in the family, so he stepped forward to hold down Zhang Dai's raised arms.

After Zhang Dai stopped, he realized that the blood on his hands was not all from the boy's nosebleed. He also found that he had hit the boy too hard and accidentally hit his front teeth, which scratched the back of his hand. It can be seen that he still needs to practice his boxing skills.

"From now on, remember this: if you see me in this house, you must stay away! Otherwise, it might not be fists or kicks that will hit you one day."

Zhang Dai took a clean towel from Aying and wrapped his injured hand with it. Then he squatted down, grabbed another piece of cloth, and wiped the blood from Zhang Zheng's face while speaking viciously.

"You, I... If you dare to attack me, Aye and Amu will not forgive you..."

Seeing him stop, Zhang Zheng regained some courage, but when he saw Zhang Dai's eyes became fierce again, he immediately covered his face and sobbed.

Although Zhang Dai looked ferocious in the beating just now, he was more of a venting of his anger and did not really injure any vital parts, so the kid only had black eyes, a swollen nose, and some ulcers at the corners of his mouth. If he was beaten too hard, he would not have howled with full energy.

Hearing this, Zhang Dai sneered, "I don't care what happens to my father, but if your mother won't let me go, that's great! From now on, I'll always ask if she's sleeping well and eating well. If she does well one day, I'll just say I'm afraid of her!"

After saying this, Zhang Dai no longer paid any attention to the boy. He stood up and said to Yingniang and her daughter, "Auntie, don't worry. I will act with discretion. I will first send Ding Cang to Jicui Building to treat his injuries, and then send someone to Lidefang Dongqu to bring Ding Qing back. We will discuss other matters after I return."

After saying this, he walked out of the courtyard first. He saw that the other clansmen had already followed Zhang Shuo to the main hall of the mansion. Only his father Zhang Jun was still standing outside with a gloomy face waiting. So he stepped forward and said, "Don't worry, Father. Qilang does have some bad habits due to being spoiled, but I will help discipline him and make him behave properly." "You..."

After hearing this, Zhang Jun felt even more ashamed and angry. He glared and was about to scold, but he soon remembered what his father had just said.

He suppressed his anger and said in a deep voice, "Your grandfather said that you went to the palace to meet the emperor last night to save your family. Who taught you that? What was your response when you met him? Did the emperor mention you at all?..."

"When I met the emperor, I was still unsure of my fate, so how could I dare to speak of my father? Don't worry, I kept my mouth shut."

Zhang Dai said something perfunctorily and was about to walk towards the central hall of the mansion. After returning home, he remembered that he still had something to ask his grandfather, so he had no time to argue with this guy.

"What nonsense! Father and son are one. If something happens to you, how can I be safe alone? I heard from your grandfather that the saint admired you very much and even bestowed a special title on you. How could he not mention your upbringing?"

Zhang Jun refused to let the boy go, and walked forward, dragging his arm and continuing to question him.

He thought of his father Zhang Shuo who was forced to retire and leave the court, and his family's status would naturally decline sharply. If the political enemies still refused to give up and continued to attack and exclude them, their future situation would inevitably be very difficult.

But if his son is favored by the saint and his family is loved by him, then there will naturally be an extra layer of protection.

Zhang Dai was completely unfamiliar with his father, but because his emotions and intentions were so explicit, he immediately saw through his intentions. He initially didn't want to respond, but after a moment's thought, he added, "Of course there is. The sages lamented that the elders in the household must be diligent and loyal, and not prone to selfish pursuits, so that such a talented person in the family remained unnamed, waiting for the sage to bestow the name 'Dai'. I'm also thinking that I'll emphasize this point when I present my letter of thanks later."

Although he had already danced to express his gratitude for the name bestowed upon him by the emperor, he still needed to present a letter of thanks to express his importance and gratitude for the reward.

Zhang Jun's expression suddenly became a little excited when he heard this, and he nodded quickly, saying, "I'm glad you have such a sense of perception. I used to discipline you with so many harsh words because I was worried that you wouldn't be able to succeed. Fortunately, you haven't dishonored your family education. I'm afraid that your knowledge is limited and your words may not express my feelings clearly, so I will write this thank you letter on your behalf."

When Zhang Dai heard this, he sneered in his heart, I can even write for your father, why do you need me?
He knew Zhang Jun was trying to use this opportunity to smuggle in some private information, communicate with the emperor, show his loyalty, improve his impression of him, etc. This wasn't a big deal for Zhang Dai, but he didn't want to let Zhang Jun get his wish so easily.

"Although you may be considerate, you shouldn't underestimate me. I recently composed a new lyric that amazed the world, and it was presented to the Sage, earning him great appreciation. Now that the family crisis has just ended, you must be deeply troubled. How can I bear to burden you with my personal affairs?"

Zhang Jun was anxious when he heard this, and his tone became a little rude: "You have been famous for a long time, serving in the Southern Province and also in charge of literature, and you still dare not boast about being amazing. How dare you be so arrogant when you just entered the world!"

"Father is right. I also feel deeply that I am not well educated. I have made no progress at home for so many years, so I want to study at a national academy to improve my knowledge. Father, since you think my artistic skills are poor, could you please recommend me to the Hongwen Academy?"

Seeing that this guy had been hooked and was a little impatient, Zhang Dai finally spoke out his conditions.

He was not exaggerating when he said that Zheng was worried about her every day. Remember, Zheng had always wanted to send her son to Hongwenguan, and now Zhang Dai wanted to take advantage of his momentum to grab this position, and he had to let Zhang Jun take the initiative to propose it, so as to cause discord between the couple!
"This, this..."

Zhang Jun frowned immediately after hearing this. He knew that his wife Zheng was very enthusiastic about this. In previous years, with the prestige of their Zhang family, it would not be a big deal even if their two sons were incorporated into the Hongwenguan. However, now that the family's fortunes have been severely hit, it is probably impossible to do so.

Moreover, his third brother Zhang Kai is currently studying at the Hongwenguan in Chang'an. The Hongwenguan is not run by his family, so he can send as many students as he wants.

He was still frowning and pondering when Zhang Zheng came out of the courtyard, his face covered and his mouth wide open, weeping. Upon seeing his father Zhang Jun, he burst into tears: "Aye, this thief, this thief slave beat me up..."

"How dare you! He's your brother. If you dare to be disrespectful again, I won't forgive you!"

After hearing this, Zhang Jun glared and shouted angrily, and then he quickly made a decision in his mind. Compared with his son's future, the most urgent thing at the moment is obviously to prevent his own situation from getting worse.

Looking at the current situation, if he were banished from the court, it would be difficult for him to return. His father had just suffered a blow and there was probably nothing he could do about it. Even if it meant being close to his father, who was frustrated in his later years, he couldn't stay away forever, so he had to seize any opportunity.

Moreover, whoever was admitted to the Hongwen Academy was his son, and now it seemed that this eldest son had more potential. Thinking of this, he said to Zhang Dai, "I will talk to your grandfather later and see what he thinks about this."

Zhang Dai smiled after hearing this. He had finally found a way to get along with his father. There was no point in talking about human relationships with this guy. Let's just lay out the pros and cons and ask if you want the benefits or not.

(End of this chapter)