Tang Dynasty Xie Lu Lang

Chapter 228 Commemorating Merits
Although Zhang Dai verbally agreed to Wang Shouzhen's request, his previous interactions with her had been unpleasant. To avoid any further personnel harassment, he decided to wait until his grandfather returned home before recounting the events.

“Wang Maozhong has also been in a precarious situation recently. He is being provoked by eunuchs, resented by his subordinates, and even has been subjected to memorials from officials in the southern provinces that satirize him. All his words and actions are aimed at relieving his predicament. Now, he has first spent a large sum of money and then extended an invitation. He must not be plotting anything.”

Zhang Shuo was also concerned about Wang Maozhong's recent situation. After hearing Zhang Dai's inquiry, he said, "The alliance between the military families of the Northern Army through marriage to protect their power is not a benevolent practice. However, Maozhong has come to invite you so earnestly, disregarding past events. His request must be very urgent. If you do not heed his advice, he may resort to even more dangerous tactics."

This was also one of the reasons Zhang Dai considered. Since Wang Maozhong angered Consort Wu Hui last year by revealing his intention to offer his daughter to Guangcheng Tang in Ruzhou to win favor, the benefits of the flying money had not been distributed normally, and the accumulated power had become quite considerable.

Wang Maozhong is undoubtedly eager to use this money to maintain his personnel relationships, which is why he has adopted an attitude of forgiving past grievances and magnanimously accepting punishment. However, if his demands cannot be resolved through normal channels, he will likely resort to other means.

Even Zhang Shuo couldn't explain the situation of the people in the Northern Court. So after some deliberation, he said to Zhang Dai, "What he asks for is not something that you, a mere youth, can decide. Go and consult Consort Hui first."

"Report exactly what Consort Hui has promised, but do not be swayed by personal relationships with the eunuchs or help them continue their provocations. Both are servants of the Emperor; the outcome is not up to you."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dai nodded. He indeed should pay his respects to Consort Wu Hui to thank his aunt for her support during his essay re-examination. With a few days left before the engagement banquet of the Wang and Ge families, he decided to go to the palace first to consult with Consort Hui.

"My son is truly talented and has lived up to his parents' expectations!"

Consort Wu Hui sat idly in the hall. When Zhang Dai entered the hall to pay his respects, she clapped her hands and exclaimed, "Top scholar in the imperial examination! Not to mention my relatives and children, I'm afraid even your family of scholars and nobles has never had a son or daughter achieve such an honor before!"

"It's just passing the provincial examination; it's far from a truly illustrious achievement. I take Aunt's praise as encouragement and will strive even harder in the future!"

Zhang Dai first bowed deeply, then said, “I was recently disturbed by the selection committee and had to retake the examination. Fortunately, my aunt sent Prince Shou to help me. Thanks to this kindness, the rest of the matter was able to proceed smoothly. Prince Shou also treated his disciples to a meal. The candidates were very grateful, but regretted that they could not thank him in person. They entrusted their feelings to me so that I could express my gratitude.”

“I have heard about it. He is just a young boy, how could he understand such trivial matters? Fortunately, you, Liu Lang, gave him guidance on the spot! Alas, I do not expect him to have a high reputation for virtue and morality outside, but it is enough for the people to know that he is well-mannered, kind-hearted, and a young king worthy of their closeness and reliance.”

Upon hearing this, Consort Wu Hui's expression brightened with even greater joy. She then looked at Zhang Dai and exclaimed, "The way you two cousins ​​get along and support each other is something that your elders would be most pleased to see. Sixth Brother, you are more insightful about human affairs than he is, and you have already earned a good reputation. If he does anything inappropriate, you must do your best to make amends."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dai nodded. His interactions with Consort Wu Hui were becoming increasingly close, and he would inevitably find it difficult to remain outside of the palace intrigues in the future. Rather than deliberately avoiding suspicion, it would be better to create a more favorable situation first.

Compared to the Crown Prince or Prince Zhong, Prince Shou has a natural advantage: he is younger. This alone is not enough to pose a real threat to the throne. In fact, Prince Zhong has not yet ascended the throne, so Zhang Dai has even less to worry about arousing the emperor's suspicion by associating too closely with Prince Shou.

As for whether or not to actually assist Prince Shou in his bid for the throne, there's no need to worry about that too early. The answer will naturally emerge as the situation develops. Why not do it if there's benefit? Why do it if there's no benefit?
Consort Wu Hui was very pleased to see Prince Shou enjoy a good reputation among scholars. Moreover, Zhang Dai, now the newly appointed top scholar, was no longer just a commoner who occasionally came up with a few clever ideas. His future value would naturally be greater.

Therefore, she grew increasingly fond of Zhang Dai, to the point that she had him sit closer, took his wrist, and said with a smile, "Young man, now that you've passed the imperial examination and become famous, you must have many people visiting to propose marriage. There's no need to rush things. You're not that old this year. Rather than hastily getting married, you should take your time to choose. Perhaps next year you'll find a better match!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dai felt a chill run down his spine and wanted to ask his aunt what she was up to. Their current relationship was just right—not too distant, not too close. To pursue any further kinship would be too intimate and counterproductive.

Therefore, he quickly sighed and said, "Thank you for your kind words, Aunt. However, the true wonder of human relationships lies in their serendipity and the fact that they cannot be forced. In the past, my maternal grandfather entrusted my mother to the Zhang family, which some might consider a clever plan, but in the end, she ended up in..."

Ultimately, I am merely an illegitimate child in the Zhang family. Perhaps I gained temporary favor due to my talent, but I cannot transcend ethical boundaries. I dare not hope to win the favor of a true noblewoman. I only desire a gentle woman willing to bear me offspring and manage the household affairs; then I will ask for nothing more.

"Alas, who can say otherwise! Back then, I was also an orphan in the deep palace, never expecting to end up like this."

Consort Wu sighed upon hearing this, but quickly added, "Sixth Brother, don't underestimate yourself or settle for less. It's not that you're unworthy of the legitimate heirs of noble families, but such women are often kept as valuable possessions and are usually all show and no substance. Even among those of similar social standing, it's very difficult to find one."

From now on, I will be in charge of your selection. You must not only choose a man from a respectable and virtuous family, but also a virtuous and capable woman who is suitable for marriage and family life!

"I've come today to visit my aunt, and I also have something to ask her." Zhang Dai didn't want to continue the conversation, so he quickly explained his purpose: "Lord Huo sent his son to invite you a few days ago..."

Speaking of this matter, Consort Wu Hui couldn't help but clap her hands and laugh, saying, "That scoundrel Wang Maozhong has finally come to his senses and dares not act recklessly with his unrealistic thieving courage. He is close to his own kind and dares not presume to associate with them. Since he has come to invite you with courtesy, my son may go and congratulate you. There is no need to come and inform him in a special way."

I have no deep-seated grudge against this man. As long as he doesn't plot his next scheme, I won't bother with him. After all, he holds considerable power at the Northern Gate, and you, Sixth Brother, have frequent access to the palace, so there's no need to harbor deep resentment towards him. It would be best if we could get along amicably, but if he refuses, we needn't be afraid of him!

I'll just take that with a grain of salt. I'm not afraid, but I don't have any good ideas on how to deal with them.

Zhang Dai then asked, "Does Aunt know that when the Huo and Geng families were united by marriage, did the Emperor bestow any gifts upon them?"

"Why are you asking this?"

Upon hearing this, Consort Wu Hui was surprised, then shook her head and said, "It's just a small matter, why does the Emperor need to ask me personally? If you hadn't told me, I wouldn't have known about it."

“I am not presumptuous enough to pry into the privacy of the Forbidden City, but Lord Huo’s invitation is not to mend past grievances, but rather to extract profits from the Flying Money. As I am in charge of my aunt’s affairs, I dare not handle this privately, so I have come to inquire. The Flying Money has already accumulated considerable profits, and if I know His Majesty’s intentions, I will naturally be able to handle it properly.”

He did indeed want to find out the emperor's attitude towards this marriage alliance in order to judge how many more years Wang Maozhong could live. If the emperor continued to indulge and favor Wang Maozhong without being wary, then he had no need to interfere and could simply watch the eunuchs continue their struggle with the North Gate.

"You've stumped me on this matter. I haven't heard of any special reward from the palace for this. But you don't need to be troubled. Let him take the interest; it's not worth making enemies over a little money."

Upon hearing this, Consort Wu Hui spoke up again, saying that as long as her fundamental interests were not violated, she was relatively easy to talk to. Although she might not have fully forgiven Wang Maozhong at the moment, she did not want to put Zhang Dai in a difficult position.

"If that's the case, then I understand."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dai did not ask any further questions, but continued, "Having just obtained my official rank after the provincial examination, I have nothing to do in the capital. I have made an appointment with my fellow graduates to travel east and see how the virtuous deeds and achievements made for my aunt last year are going. If things go well, I will report back to my aunt!"

“This is a good deed to relieve suffering and help those in distress. You are very kind, Liu Lang! If this deed is successful and brings good fortune, it will be much more meaningful than creating several more statues of merit.”

Consort Wu Hui nodded and said that she was not particularly concerned about the suffering of the common people, but she did have some compassion for helping others. Moreover, since someone was doing good deeds for her and the expenses were not her original expenses, she was naturally happy to let it happen.

"My fellow disciples are all scholars of literature. If they see the merits spreading throughout the countryside, they will surely be deeply moved. Therefore, I would like to allocate some more money and silk to commemorate this event in Bianzhou and other places. Although my aunt is not one to seek fame or reputation, accumulating virtue and doing good deeds is not a bad thing that one is afraid of others knowing about. I wonder if my aunt would approve?"

Zhang Dai then consulted with Consort Wu Hui, saying that the 100,000 strings of cash they had previously withdrawn were almost gone, and that this year was the beginning of a year of disaster and epidemic, so Zhang Dai wanted to prepare some more funds to maintain and expand the scale of disaster relief.

"Accurate, accurate, what's inaccurate about it! Take whatever you need, no problem!"

Consort Wu Hui was overjoyed upon hearing this and nodded repeatedly, saying, "I have only benefited from your efforts in planning and doing things, but I have not done much myself. I need to contribute my own money to make this possible. When you are ready to leave, come and say goodbye. I will prepare the money and silk for you to take with you!"

Zhang Dai did not refuse after hearing this. He did not lack Consort Wu Hui's private savings; he could simply extract a portion of the profits from the flying money.

However, if Consort Wu Hui doesn't contribute any money, she won't feel much involved and won't seem to take the matter seriously. Moreover, if the threshold is set too high, it will be difficult to satisfy her later.

(End of this chapter)