Taichang Ming Dynasty

Chapter 711 Summoning
It was nearly noon when Wang Yingjiao and Zhang Sizheng sat facing each other, eating in a quiet superior room at the Yunlai Inn in Da Shi Yong Fang. The table was set with only a few simple seasonal dishes, a plate of braised meat, two bowls of white rice, and two jugs of sake. The air was filled with the faint aroma of food and a hint of the dust lingering from their journey. Perhaps it was the heat, or perhaps it was the weight of some unspoken burden on their hearts, but both were rather silent, and their appetites had diminished somewhat.

Wang Yingjiao was picking up a piece of bamboo shoot with his chopsticks, while Zhang Sixiu silently ate the rice in his bowl. Suddenly, a series of slightly hurried footsteps came from the corridor outside and stopped at the door. Immediately afterward, the innkeeper announced with obvious respect and tension, "Gentlemen, someone from the palace has arrived!"

Before the words were finished, the door was gently pushed open. A young eunuch dressed in a blue undergarment and wearing a ceremonial hat stepped in. He was fair-skinned and beardless, and his respectful expression carried a hint of obsequiousness characteristic of those serving in the inner court.

Both men in the room were startled. Wang Yingjiao immediately put down his chopsticks and stood up, while Zhang Sixiu's heart skipped a beat, and he almost dropped his chopsticks. He hurriedly stood up as well, his face full of astonishment.

"Imperial Censor Fang Yi of Qianqing Palace pays his respects to the two gentlemen." The young eunuch waved away the innkeeper, then bowed to the two men. "I wonder which one of you is Zhang Sixiu of the Hanlin Academy?" Shi Fangyi's gaze swept over the two men's faces, finally settling on Zhang Sixiu.

It's no wonder Shi Fangyi recognized Zhang Sixiu before the other man even answered. Although both men were elderly gentlemen, Zhang Sixiu's face was noticeably thinner than the old man beside him, as if weathered by time.

A fine layer of cold sweat quickly seeped onto Zhang Sixiu's forehead. His throat bobbed, and he suppressed the turmoil in his heart. He cupped his hands in return and said, "I am Zhang Sixiu. May I ask what brings you here, sir?"

"Greetings, Mr. Zhang." Shi Fangyi straightened up, a perfectly measured respect on his face. "I have come here on His Majesty's orders to summon Mr. Zhang to the palace for an audience."

"Now!?" he exclaimed in a low voice, the color draining from his face. He subconsciously looked down at the indigo robe he was wearing, stained with the dust of his journey.

“That’s right.” Shi Fangyi nodded with a smile. “The car is downstairs. Mr. Zhang, please come with me.”

"Your Excellency, please forgive my haste," Zhang Sixiu said hurriedly, his words revealing genuine panic. "I have only just arrived in the capital today, weary from my journey, and my court attire is not yet ready, my appearance disheveled. To meet His Majesty so hastily would surely be disrespectful and disrespectful!" He had considered the possibility of the Emperor seeing him, but he had never imagined that the Emperor would immediately send a eunuch to summon him to the palace after receiving his request. Shouldn't the newly appointed Minister of Revenue have been summoned first?
Beside him, the newly appointed Minister of Revenue, Wang Yingjiao, was also deeply shaken. The Emperor had just received the petition for an audience that morning, and now he was urgently summoning Zhang Sixiu that afternoon? What was he going to say? He quickly regained his composure, stepped forward, and said gently to Zhang Sixiu, “Brother Siyong, His Majesty’s earnestness in summoning me is a great favor. As for minor matters of appearance, His Majesty is surely benevolent and magnanimous and will not mind. Moreover, even thunder and rain are acts of divine grace, how can I refuse? On my way here, I saw several clothing stores along the street; why don’t we go and buy a set?”

"And who is this gentleman?" Shi Fangyi turned his head and looked at Wang Yingjiao.

"I am Wang Yingjiao, Minister of Revenue in Nanjing." Although he had returned the official documents to the Ministry of Personnel and submitted a petition requesting an audience, Wang Yingjiao had not yet received the emperor's edict and was not the official Minister of Revenue, so he still referred to himself by his original title.

"You are Minister Wang?" Shi Fangyi was taken aback. Although he knew that Wang Yingjiao and Zhang Sixiu's memorials had entered the palace together, he did not expect that the two of them would be eating at the same table.

“That’s right, I am Wang Yingjiao.” Wang Yingjiao smiled slightly.

"Greetings, Minister Wang." Shi Fangyi bowed again to Wang Yingjiao. "My apologies."

"I wouldn't dare," Wang Yingjiao quickly returned the greeting.

"Eunuch Shi, I wonder if His Majesty also summoned Brother Qianfu?" Zhang Sixiu asked.

Shi Fangyi was unaware that the cabinet's draft summons for an audience was already on its way. However, he didn't deny it directly, but instead politely deflected the question, saying, "Anyway, my mission is simply to invite Mr. Zhang to the palace. And Mr. Zhang need not worry about his appearance and court attire. His Majesty is always considerate of his subjects. The Directorate of Ceremonial has already prepared hot water, towels, and even brand-new court attire at the Wenhua Hall. You only need to go alone."

“Alright,” Zhang Sixiu took a deep breath, trying to calm his turbulent emotions, and bowed deeply to Shi Fangyi: “Thank you for your guidance, Eunuch. The Emperor’s grace is boundless, and I will obey the decree.” He then turned to Wang Yingjiao, his eyes filled with worry and apology: “Brother Qianfu, please wait a moment while I eat, I will go now.”

Wang Yingjiao nodded solemnly, his eyes filled with encouragement: "Brother Siyong, do not worry. Everything is in the hands of Heaven."

Shi Fangyi stepped aside to make way: "Mr. Zhang, please."

Zhang Sixiu glanced one last time at the unfinished food on the table and the street scene of the capital outside the window. He composed himself, no longer hesitating, and followed Shi Fangyi out of the room. The footsteps faded into the corridor, leaving Wang Yingjiao alone in the room, his brow furrowed, staring at the empty doorway, lost in deep thought. Outside the window, the afternoon sun shone brightly, and cicadas chirped incessantly.

The small carriage with a blue curtain brought by Shi Fangyi was parked at the entrance of the inn. Zhang Sixiu boarded the carriage at Shi Fangyi's signal. The curtain fell, shutting out the noise of the outside world and Wang Yingjiao's probing gaze. The wheels rolled, treading over the stone-paved streets of the capital, carrying this weathered and apprehensive son of the former prime minister, slowly heading towards the palace deep within the Forbidden City that symbolized supreme power.

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The small carriage with its green curtains rolled over the crisscrossing stone-paved streets of West Jiangmi Lane and East Jiangmi Lane, the sound of its wheels particularly clear amidst the bustling crowd. The carriage bumped along, the curtains swayed, and occasionally, unobstructed light and shadow would peek through the gaps. Zhang Sixiu sat upright inside the carriage, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the rough fabric of the indigo robe on his lap.

Crossing East Chang'an Street, the vermilion silhouette of a sprawling palace wall appeared intermittently. After rounding another bend, the wheels finally began to slow down.

"Eunuch Shi." The moment the carriage with the green curtains came to a stop, a strong voice pierced through the curtains and entered Zhang Sixiu's ears. "Could you please lift the curtains?"

"Didn't I say hello when I came out?" Shi Fangyi's voice was somewhat sharp.

"Please forgive me, sir, the rules are too strict." The strong voice paused for a moment, and Zhang Sixiu guessed that the man had probably bowed. "Not to mention this carriage, even the carriages of the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs have to be checked before they can enter."

"I don't know what's there to investigate. This car isn't going into the Forbidden City." Shi Fangyi, with a sullen face, lifted the curtain and turned to smile at Zhang Sixiu. "The rules have been stricter lately, please bear with me, sir."

The carriage curtain was pulled back, and blinding sunlight flooded in. Zhang Sixiu subconsciously turned his head away and said, "Strict rules are a good thing, it's fine."

Shi Fangyi turned around with a smile, but the moment the curtain fell, his tone turned displeased. "Finished looking? Is anyone else in here?"

"Didn't this gentleman also say that strict rules are a good thing?" The booming voice carried a hint of obsequiousness. "It's alright, Eunuch Shi, please come in."

"Hmph, let's go!" Before Shi Fangyi finished speaking, the sound of wheels slowly grinding against the stone slabs began again. As the carriage tilted over the slope, Zhang Sixiu heard a low, resentful sigh: "Tch, if they're so capable, why don't they tell the Directorate of Ceremonial to change the rules back? What's the use of giving me attitude?"

The carriage finally stopped outside Donghua Gate. The curtain was lifted, and sunlight flooded in again, but this time, Zhang Sixiu only squinted instinctively.

He bent down and got out of the car, his feet landing on solid ground, and involuntarily looked up.

The Donghua double-eaved gatehouse stood majestically, its yellow glazed tile roof reflecting a dazzling halo under the blazing sun. The massive gate opening was deep and dark, like the mouth of a giant beast. The walls of the gatehouse were slightly mottled, and the gaps between the blue bricks held the dust of time.

Zhang Sixiu's gaze swept over the familiar yet unfamiliar outlines of the bricks and stones. His lips pursed slightly, and his Adam's apple bobbed almost imperceptibly. What was the scene like when he last entered the palace through this gate? Back then, his father... He quickly lowered his eyes, suppressing the surging thoughts deep within his heart. The palace gates remained the same, but everything else had changed.

“Mr. Zhang,” Shi Fangyi’s voice brought him back to reality. “This way, please.”

Zhang Sixiu withdrew his gaze, silently nodded, and followed Shi Fangyi through the imposing Donghua Gate into the palace. The palace walls lined the passageway, the shadows of the trees swayed gently, and a solemn atmosphere pervaded the air. Before long, the dignified and elegant glazed tile gate tower of Wenhua Gate came into view.

Before the Wenhua Gate, a middle-aged eunuch dressed in a scarlet robe with a python pattern, exuding a scholarly air, was already waiting. This was none other than Liu Ruoyu, the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial.

Upon seeing Liu Ruoyu, Shi Fangyi immediately broke into an even brighter smile. He quickly stepped forward and gave a deep bow: "This servant greets Ancestor Liu. This is Mr. Zhang."

Liu Ruoyu didn't respond to Shi Fangyi's comment, but simply nodded slightly. His gaze remained fixed on Zhang Sixiu, his face displaying a perfectly measured gentleness. "Mr. Zhang, you must have had a long journey." Liu Ruoyu took two small steps to greet Zhang Sixiu, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "I am Liu Ruoyu, the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, here to welcome you by imperial decree."

"I dare not accept such praise," Zhang Sixiu quickly returned the bow deeply, "Thank you for waiting so long, Liu Bingbi."

"Mr. Zhang, please follow me." Liu Ruoyu turned to the side and waved towards the open right door of the Wenhua Hall.

Zhang Sixiu nodded and bowed to Shi Fangyi again. "Thank you for your help along the way, Eunuch Shi."

"Mr. Zhang, you're too kind!" Shi Fangyi paused briefly, then bowed to Liu Ruoyu and Zhang Sixiu. "Ancestor Liu, Mr. Zhang, my mission is complete. I'll take my leave now and return to Qianqing Palace to report to my godfather."

"Okay, go and rest." Liu Ruoyu originally didn't want to pay any more attention to Shi Fangyi, but he didn't mind putting on a kind and amiable elder's demeanor.

Zhang Sixiu followed Liu Ruoyu up the steps, about to ask about etiquette and attire, when Liu Ruoyu turned around and asked, "Has Mr. Zhang had lunch yet?"

"To be honest, I was having dinner when Eunuch Shi found me." Zhang Sixiu's heart pounded faster and faster with each step, but he still managed to force a pale smile.

Liu Ruoyu stopped, turned around and walked down the platform, nodding to a eunuch standing at the entrance of the east side hall: "Then please have dinner in Benren Hall first, Mr. Zhang. After dinner, go to Jiyi Hall to change your clothes."

"The Emperor even hosted a banquet for me?" Zhang Sixiu was clearly taken aback.

Liu Ruoyu thought for a moment and said, "His Majesty instructed the Directorate of Ceremonial to make proper arrangements. The Directorate of Ceremonial certainly cannot mistreat Mr. Zhang."

Zhang Sixiu was unaware of the Emperor's instructions to the Directorate of Ceremonial, and therefore failed to decipher Liu Ruoyu's rhetoric. He still believed the meal was a gift from the Emperor. Zhang Sixiu stopped, facing the Qianqing Palace beyond the heavy palace walls, and slowly knelt down. "Your subject Zhang Sixiu kowtows to thank Your Majesty for your divine grace."

Liu Ruoyu's eyes flickered slightly, but he quickly regained his composure. After Zhang Sixiu finished his bow and stood up, he spoke again: "Mr. Zhang, please."

Zhang Sixiu had little appetite, but since it was a banquet hosted by the emperor, he had to eat a few bites even if he was bedridden with illness. He dusted off the front of his robe and looked at Liu Ruoyu, asking in a low voice, "Liu Bingbi, please forgive my intrusion. His Majesty summoned me urgently today. What is it that you wish to inquire about?"

“I’m not entirely sure either,” Liu Ruoyu said with a smile, shaking his head. “I only know that as soon as His Majesty read your memorial requesting an audience, he instructed the Empress Dowager to arrange it.” Liu Ruoyu’s eyes lit up as if he had just remembered something. “However, I’m certain that His Majesty values ​​you highly. Because your memorial and that of Minister Wang of the Ministry of Revenue were submitted to the palace together. His Majesty instructed the Grand Secretariat to draft a draft of Minister Wang’s memorial as usual, and the audience is scheduled for tomorrow.”

The information Liu Ruoyu revealed was meaningless to Zhang Sixiu, but he still smiled and replied, "Your Majesty's kindness is truly undeserved."

“Sir, you flatter me.” Liu Ruoyu walked to the entrance of Benren Hall and gestured to the table in the main room. “Mr. Zhang is not only a descendant of the Prime Minister of Jiangling, but also a talented scholar with the potential to become a prime minister. He was unjustly wronged by treacherous officials and suffered for decades. It is truly heartbreaking to hear and makes one weep.”

Liu Ruoyu spoke with sincerity and earnestness, revealing no trace of pretense. Zhang Sixiu was also moved by her words. Although he still did not quite agree with the notion of "treacherous officials misleading the emperor," a glint of light still welled up in his eyes several times.

"Sigh!" Zhang Sixiu sighed deeply, only realizing after sitting down that the brocade cushion beneath him had been brought to him by Liu Ruoyu. "Liu Bingbi, this..."

Zhang Sixiu was about to stand up when Liu Ruoyu gently pressed his shoulder down. "Mr. Zhang, please don't stand on ceremony, please sit down."

"Then thank you very much, Liu Bingbi." Zhang Sixiu cupped his hands in thanks.

Liu Ruoyu smiled and shook his head, then turned around and waved towards the door, saying, "Serve the food. Serve Mr. Zhang his meal!"

(End of this chapter)