The struggle for the throne during the Jiajing reign

Chapter 110 Fame

Xu Wei listened to Zhang Juzheng's words and felt a pang of emotion. He too had been hailed as a child prodigy, passing the county-level imperial examination at the age of twenty. Full of youthful vigor, he felt that the title of Juren was easily attained and that his official career was boundless.

However, his repeated setbacks over the years gradually led him to give up on himself. It was only after entering the capital and interacting with Zhang Juzheng and others that he truly saw the gap between them.

In terms of talent and learning, there may not be much difference, and in some aspects, he may even surpass her. However, in terms of interpersonal skills, they are far inferior.

It would be a lie to say that one doesn't want to be an official, a prime minister, or govern the country. Scholars work tirelessly year-round for this very purpose, but if it's not possible, it's simply not possible.

Xu Wei remained calm, turned to look at Zhang Juzheng, and said in a frank and clear tone: "Uncle, you don't need to worry about my affairs. I have already thought it through these days."

I am by nature a free spirit, extreme and proud. I don't understand how to flatter in officialdom, nor do I want to fawn over superiors or be considerate of subordinates.

If one were to stand in the court in official robes, one would feel constrained and make mistakes at every turn.

Zhang Juzheng frowned slightly, wanting to say something, but was interrupted by Xu Wei, who was quite moved today.

"Don't worry, I'm not trying to give up on myself. It's just that I'm not suited to be an official. But my strengths are writing strategies, planning, judging situations, and charting the course for others."

It's clear that he was born to be a strategist and devise plans.

"After you go to the provinces to gain experience and accumulate practical achievements in governance, I will stay by His Highness's side with peace of mind, helping him to observe the situation, weigh the advantages and disadvantages, and guard against any underhanded schemes."

Seeing that Xu Wei had figured things out and looked calm and composed, Zhang Juzheng was truly relieved. If he was just a staff member, then all of Xu Wei's shortcomings would become his strengths.

The two chatted idly along the way and unknowingly arrived at the entrance of Xu Wei's residence alley. It was a very quiet place, and Zhang Juzheng was even thinking that when his lease on his residence expired, he would consider moving there as well.

But today it was rather noisy. The stewards of the Wu Xun noble family, the sons and nephews of aristocratic merchants, and even some scholars dressed in blue silk robes were gathered in twos and threes at the alley entrance, discussing in hushed tones.

Zhang Juzheng immediately understood their intentions. He was amazed by their quick reaction. Looking at the precious inkstones and heavy brocade boxes they brought, he realized that if Xu Wenchang were willing to accept them, he could amass a lifetime of wealth in just a few days.

"Mr. Xu is back!"

"Mr. Wenchang has finally returned home!"

"Oh, this must be Editor Zhang from the Hanlin Academy. I've heard so much about you."

The crowd immediately bowed and greeted him with utmost respect, rushing forward to surround him and speaking earnestly.

"I have long admired your calligraphy and painting style, and have come today specifically to request a piece of your work!"

"I'm willing to pay a hefty sum for one of your landscape paintings!"

"The student only asks for a short couplet from the teacher; that will suffice!"

"I only hope that you can give me some guidance, and I am willing to offer you two hundred taels of silver as tuition."

Xu Wei looked at the large group of people in front of him. At first, his brows furrowed, but then his furrowed brows slowly relaxed, and a self-deprecating smile appeared on his lips.

A few months ago, he took his calligraphy and paintings to the market. He could exchange a couplet for two bushels of rice, but people would still nitpick and complain that his cursive calligraphy was not upright enough. It was difficult to even exchange a painting for a hairpin for his mother.

Since arriving in Beijing, in such a short time, the world has turned upside down, and human relationships have become so fickle.

No wonder people chase fame and power. Xu Wei didn't want to pay attention to them. He just wanted to see Zhang Juzheng off, then go inside to comfort his mother and see if she was frightened.

But Zhang Juzheng stepped forward on his behalf and said, "Please quiet down, everyone!"

Zhang Juzheng spoke in a calm tone, yet he possessed an imposing aura that commanded respect without anger, and the crowd fell silent.

Xu Wei breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that although his uncle was a bit extravagant, he was still loyal to his friends.

He did not expect that Zhang Juzheng would say, "It is already late today, and my elder brother Wen's mother is old and needs to rest, so it is inconvenient to entertain guests."

Those who wish to make friends should leave their name cards. Those who request a painting should have the dimensions, content, and fee sent by a messenger tomorrow. The painting will be arranged in order of payment and the order in which the paintings are submitted.

My elder brother Wen only paints landscapes, flowers, and birds, not beauties in erotic scenes; he only inscribes poems and lyrics, not congratulatory messages or birthday prefaces.

Furthermore, we do not accept brocade boxes or antiques as payment; we only accept cash!

Xu Wei was caught off guard by Zhang Juzheng's actions and immediately cried out, "Uncle!"

Those who come to deliver visiting cards are naturally shrewd people who can read people's expressions. Just by looking at Xu Wei's expression, they know that this man is not easy to deal with and they are afraid that they will return empty-handed.

Now that someone had given the go-ahead, he had no choice but to hurry. So he immediately and respectfully presented his visiting card. Xu Wei was unwilling to refuse Zhang Juzheng in public, so he had no choice but to accept it.

After everyone had left, Zhang Juzheng, without saying a word, pulled the awkward-looking Xu Wei straight into the courtyard. The interior was simple and elegant, and Xu's mother was standing in the courtyard.

Zhang Juzheng released Xu Wei and bowed deeply to Xu's mother.

"Your Excellency, I am Zhang Juzheng, a close friend of my elder brother Wen, and we both serve under Prince Jing. I came in haste today and was unable to prepare proper etiquette, so I only brought some palace pastries. I hope Your Excellency will not take offense."

She knew the name; her son had mentioned it quite often lately. She'd heard he was a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations), but she hadn't expected him to be so young and polite.

So he quickly went to help her up, saying, "There's no need for that, Zhang—"

"Auntie, you can just call me by my name."

"6

"Juzheng, please rise quickly."

Xu Wei, who was standing nearby, also came to help. He had noticed that before leaving the palace, Zhang Juzheng had asked Eunuch Ma for some pastries that the Imperial Kitchen had just made that day.

He thought he was going to take it back for his wife to try, but it turned out he was bringing it for his mother.

The three of them went inside and sat down. Xu's mother was originally a maid, and after giving birth to a child and becoming a concubine, she did not enjoy any happiness. She was a little unsure how to greet Zhang Juzheng, so she could only say that she was going to brew tea.

After Xu's mother left, before Xu Wei could speak, Zhang Juzheng took the initiative and reprimanded him, saying, "How come there isn't even a servant to take care of your aunt? She has to cook and burn firewood every day!"

Especially when outsiders come, there isn't even a doorman to greet them.

Xu Wei felt somewhat ashamed upon hearing this; so many people blocking the door today must have frightened his mother.

Seeing this, Zhang Juzheng said, "This is why I agreed to write the painting for you. It is not easy to live in the capital. The hundred taels of silver bestowed by the emperor is not a small amount, but we can't just sit around and eat it all up."

Your aunt needs someone to take care of her, and you are in your prime. How can you not get married and have children? All of these things require money.

Xu Wei felt a little awkward upon hearing this. He was clearly a few years older than Zhang Juzheng, so why was he the one being lectured?

At this moment, Xu's mother brought over a teapot. Hearing this, she was quite happy. She didn't lack people to take care of her, but she needed a daughter-in-law no matter what. Without a daughter-in-law, where would a grandson come from?

"What Juzheng said is exactly what I was thinking. I will ask the matchmaker for help tomorrow."

Zhang Juzheng took the teapot: "That won't be necessary. His Highness has already instructed the head of the Military Affairs Department to find a respectable and suitable family for Brother Wen. We should have news in a few days."

"This—how could my humble matter concern Your Highness—"

Xu's mother was overjoyed, while Xu Wei was stunned and felt extremely ashamed. His Highness was only a teenager, living deep in the palace, spending his days scheming for the succession and the court's intrigues, yet he still had to spare his energy to worry about his marriage.

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