Tang Dynasty Xie Lu Lang

Chapter 127 Returning to Lingnan
When Zhang Dai arrived at the front hall, he saw a middle-aged man dressed in modern clothes, about the same age as his father, standing in the hall waiting. He guessed that this was Yao Yi who had come to visit.

"I was unaware of Lord Yao Xia's presence. All my elders in the household are away on business, leaving only me. Please forgive any shortcomings in my hospitality."

Zhang Dai entered the hall, bowed to the other party, and said...

Yao Chong had three sons. His eldest son, Yao Yi, and second son, Yao Yi, were both born to his first wife, Liu. Liu died young during the Chuigong era. Yao Chong later remarried a woman from the Zheng family of Xingyang, with whom he had a younger son, Yao Yi.

Yao Chongliang's title of Duke of Liang was inherited by his eldest son's lineage, while his younger son, Yao Yi, was also granted the title of Duke of Xia County due to his father's merits, which is why Zhang Dai referred to him as such.

"No need for formalities, Zhang Lang. I've come to visit you today."

Yao Yi also walked towards Zhang Dai. Without beating around the bush, he said directly to Zhang Dai, "After I returned home to report my mistake, I learned that I had incurred your wrath due to a moment of anger. I am very uneasy about this, so I have taken the liberty of coming to apologize and ask for your forgiveness."

Zhang Dai was surprised to hear this. He did indeed want revenge on Yao Hong, but he hadn't had the chance yet. He planned to deal with this old grudge after sending the relief supplies out of Luoyang. Why did Yao Yi's words make it seem like Yao Hong was now in trouble?

However, hearing Yao Yi speak of the feud between the two sides so lightly, Zhang Dai frowned slightly. After a moment's thought, he said, "Lord Yao Xia must be referring to Yao Gongcao of Henan Prefecture. I really don't know what has happened to him."

But if Lord Yao claims that the previous incident was merely a grudge formed out of momentary anger, then what Yao Gongcao said is probably not entirely true, or perhaps Lord Yao's so-called anger was a bit too vicious. If I hadn't been lucky enough to escape unharmed, I probably wouldn't be standing here today, receiving Lord Yao.

When Yao Yi heard Zhang Dai describe their feud as a life-or-death enmity, his expression immediately changed.

After a moment of silence, he said again: "Yesterday, this boy was investigated by the Ministry of Justice because he had taken the government's horses and feed without permission while on a mission to Shuofang. He has been exiled to Qujiang County in Lingnan."

My son broke the law, which is truly shameful and disgraceful for the family, but he has already accepted the punishment of the law. The only thing that remains is the lingering resentment from past grievances, which causes me unease.

He had neither father nor grandfather, and was deprived of proper upbringing from a young age, unlike Zhang Lang who had kind parents who taught and raised him properly day and night. He made mistakes in his actions, and now it is too late to regret them.

Fortunately, Mr. Zhang was unharmed. The mistake has been made, and he should be compensated. I have come today to inquire what Mr. Zhang's requests are, and I will do my best to fulfill them!

After saying this, he bowed deeply to Zhang Dai and raised his hands above his head.

Zhang Dai naturally dared not accept such a bow arrogantly. He stepped aside and pondered to himself.

Upon hearing that Yao Hong had been convicted for taking government-owned horses without permission on his way to Shuofang, Zhang Dai roughly guessed who was behind it. However, Wang Shouzhen was quite composed; he hadn't expected him to be so ostentatious when he delivered the horses last time, and Zhang Dai hadn't even learned about it until the wronged party came to his door.

Looking at Yao Yi's sincere expression, he couldn't help but sneer inwardly.

He didn't believe that Yao Yi only found out about what Yao Hong had done now. The fact that this kid was demoted from his position as Left Remonstrance Official and exiled to Henan Prefecture was probably the result of Yao Yi's mediation and efforts.

The fact that the other party didn't apologize before but has come now is clearly because they realized that Wang Maozhong was targeting them and were worried that if they didn't make a statement, they might suffer even more severe retaliation.

This also shows that Wang Maozhong's power was not to be underestimated. Yao Chong's children and grandchildren were not afraid of offending the disgraced Zhang Shuo, but they were afraid of being targeted by the powerful Wang Maozhong.

Realizing this, Zhang Dai was too lazy to argue with Yao Yi any further. He said to Yao Yi, "Yao Xia Gong's prudent management of the household and his care for his young apprentice are truly touching. If it were just an ordinary matter, I would also like to grant Yao Xia Gong's good intentions."

But just as national laws are strict and violations will be punished, so too should compensation for damages caused by personal relationships. Yao Xiagong is a respected elder, yet he has come to me, bowing and scraping, for the sake of his unworthy son.

Even if I forgive and forget the past grievances, Yao Xia Gong has condescended to humiliate himself and rekindled this feud. If your sons are truly filial and fraternal, would they be willing to let it go with a smile and forgive me?

"This... Zhang Lang, you flatter me. I have failed in raising my son, and I should..."

Upon hearing Zhang Dai's words, Yao Yi quickly spoke up again.

However, Zhang Dai waved his hand and said, "Since Yao Xia Gong knows that he has not taught his son well, why doesn't he go home and teach him properly again? There is no need to keep you here to deal with your extra duties. If Yao Hong really wanted to forgive and forget with me, the person I saw here today would not be Yao Gong."

I understand Lord Yao's sentiments. If I had carelessly fallen to Yao Hong on my way here, Lord Yao would surely not have had this scoundrel beaten to death for me! Lord Yao, please leave. Matters of state and family are numerous, and even exhausting one's wisdom is insufficient; there is no need to add unnecessary worries to this young man's dispute.”

After saying this, he bowed and saw the guest out.

After hearing this, Yao Yi wanted to argue a bit, but for a moment he really didn't know what to say, so he could only sigh and then take his leave.

Just after Yao Yi left, Zheng Yan arrived, accompanied by his wife, Zhang Dai's aunt, Madam Zhang.

“When Madam Wu first came here in previous years, your mother and I were the closest. After your mother passed away, knowing that you had nowhere to rely on, she wanted to take you away and adopt you, but your father stopped her…” As soon as Madam Zhang entered, she pulled Zhang Dai aside and began to tell him about the past. When she got emotional, she couldn’t help but shed tears.

These words weren't entirely untrue, especially considering the witnesses like Yingniang. While relatives and friends certainly had kind intentions and wanted to help the helpless child, the child still had legal parents, and it wouldn't be right for others to disregard their opinions and overstep their bounds.

Therefore, Zhang Dai's resentment towards Zhang Jun and his wife stemmed from the fact that they themselves were unwilling to manage the household properly, yet they wouldn't let others manage it either. Weren't they just bastards?
Zhang Dai chatted with his aunt for a while. Seeing that Zheng Yan was still looking out at the sky, he first took his aunt to his grandmother's place, and then went out with Zheng Yan to Huixunfang to wait for Wang Yuanbao to come and meet them.

Zheng Yan was accompanied by several members of his clan, who were the unfortunate ones who had suffered huge losses from their investments. Of course, it's also possible that they were managing the businesses on Zheng Yan's behalf. After all, Tang law prohibited officials of the fifth rank and above from entering the market, and there were strict restrictions on officials engaging in commercial activities.

"What brings you here, young master?"

Wang Yuanbao arrived quickly and immediately asked Zhang Dai questions upon arrival.

After listening to Zhang Dai's explanation, he said without the slightest hesitation, "This is just a small matter. I will go back to tidy up the shop now. When is it convenient for Doctor Zheng's family to enter the market? They can come and let me know at any time. They can use it without worry until next spring. After spring, things may need to be adjusted a bit. I will definitely come and inform you in advance so we can discuss it further!"

"In that case, thank you very much, Shopkeeper Wang!"

The problem that had troubled him for so long was solved so easily. Zheng Yan first thanked Wang Yuanbao, and then looked at Zhang Dai with a gratified expression, saying, "What a fine young man you are! You are capable in planning and handling affairs with composure. You have a wide circle of friends and are trusted by many!"

Wang Yuanbao had some matters related to flying money to report to and consult with Zhang Dai. He glanced at Zhang Dai for instructions and, seeing that it was alright, began to talk about the recent developments of flying money.

Regarding the operational plan proposed by Zhang Dai, both Wang Maozhong and Gao Lishi agreed in principle. They also each extracted a portion of the profits they had already obtained, presumably to test the feasibility of the plan and to get a taste of the initial success.

The current capital of the money in Dongdu is the more than 1.7 million strings of cash from the Prince Qi's family, plus the money and silk that the money shops have been absorbing recently.

Because the money flowing from Chang'an often needs to be withdrawn as soon as possible to purchase goods, and goods from Guandong need to be transported to Guanzhong before winter, the money flowing from Chang'an is also being paid out quickly. In addition, with several banks taking a cut, the money supply in Luoyang is a bit tight.

Therefore, Wang Yuanbao wanted to temporarily withhold Zhang Dai's 500,000 strings of cash, and then gradually pay it out after the Luoyang pawnshop absorbed the deposits. At the same time, Wang Yuanbao also stated that he was willing to pay four percent interest, comparable to private lending, during the period when this sum of money was withheld.

Zhang Dai hadn't yet chosen a temple to invest in, so he didn't need the money urgently and could keep it as principal for his investment. However, he only charged two percent interest.

He did not intend to make a profit from lending, and Wang Yuanbao was quite enthusiastic and attentive to some of his affairs. If it weren't for the fact that the money was left here by the county magistrate of Yunyang for him to invest, he could have avoided paying these two interest rates.

Zheng Yan listened to their conversation, growing more and more astonished. His facial expressions changed like the face-changing act in Sichuan opera. He was still in shock when Wang Yuanbao got up to say goodbye and leave.

"Zongzhi, what exactly was the matter of money you discussed with Wang Yuanbao just now? Although Wang Yuanbao is just a merchant, he has managed to build such a vast fortune, so he should not be underestimated!"
Your grandfather is no longer as composed as he used to be in court. You must not let temporary wealth cloud your judgment! The matter of renting a shop can be abandoned. I will make other plans, not letting my sons be left behind…”

After Zhang Dai saw Wang Yuanbao off and returned, Zheng Yan strode forward, grabbed him, and said to him with a serious expression, "Your boasting is so exaggerated it scares me. Nephew, don't mess around!"

"Uncle, don't worry. My grandfather knows about everything I discussed with Wang Yuanbao, and it's not illegal!"

Hearing Zheng Yan's solemn advice, Zhang Dai couldn't help but laugh and say something.

"Your grandfather knew too? He actually agreed... Father-in-law's heart is truly... Alas, in the end, you young disciples are more outstanding. Although I am still in my prime, listening to your discussion makes me feel old and useless."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Yan couldn't help but sigh and said that he would no longer dare to treat Zhang Dai as an ordinary boy.

He passed the imperial examination at the age of fourteen and was praised by his relatives and friends as a young prodigy. However, when he compared himself with his wife, his nephew, he felt ashamed of his past mischievousness and his current foolishness.

Since Zhang Dai had handled his task so efficiently, he naturally dared not break his promise. He immediately said he would go to the capital to check the warehouses of stolen goods under the Ministry of Justice.

When the two arrived at the imperial city, they saw a noisy crowd surrounding Yuwen Rong as he came out of the city. Li Cheng was also in the group. After seeing Zhang Dai, he leaned close to Yuwen Rong and whispered a few words in his ear. Yuwen Rong nodded slightly after listening.

"Zongzhi, we, the envoys and judges, will be going to the residence of Vice Minister Yuwen for a meeting. Would you like to come along?"

Li Cheng rode his horse back towards them, and said to Zhang Dai with a smile, then whispered, "Don't be afraid of being harassed. Since I'm taking you along, I'll naturally protect you."

Zhang Dai, who was in broad daylight, was not afraid and nodded after hearing this.

However, Zheng Yan had just learned that his nephew was so powerful, and fearing that he might get hurt, he first led Li Cheng aside and whispered some instructions to him. Then he deliberately said loudly, "Zongzhi, you should go and visit Yuwen Zhongcheng's house. After I finish dealing with the affairs of the office, I will bring my staff and you back together!"
Your grandfather is concerned about your preparation for the imperial examinations; if you return late, he fears he will request the Imperial Guards to search the entire city!

(End of this chapter)