Tang Dynasty Xie Lu Lang

Chapter 232 Returning Home with a Beauty at Night

Although Zhang Dai had long been prepared to give up this cause, it was too early now, because the disaster situation in Henan and Hebei was still developing. In order to maintain the various plans for disaster relief, he had to keep this cash pool from changing too much for the time being, so as not to let the disaster relief efforts go to waste.

But what could be done to stop Wang Maozhong from doing this to provoke the emperor? Even the eunuchs rebelled and split over the unequal distribution of spoils.

Thinking about this, Zhang Dai couldn't help but feel a headache coming on. He didn't have any good ideas for the time being, and could only sigh inwardly that getting involved with these scoundrels meant he could forget about making a name for himself!

Gao Chengxin was also in a bad mood. He was a very ambitious eunuch, and seeing that the things he was managing were about to be messed up, he felt even more resentful.

After pondering for a moment, he leaned closer to Zhang Dai and whispered, "Does Sixth Brother have any strategy to sabotage the marriage alliance between the Huo and Geng families? If their personnel in the North Gate are not in harmony, they won't have time to focus on the money-making scheme in the short term!"

Zhang Dai shook his head after a moment's thought. Not to mention that he had no good ideas at all, even the emperor had not made any clear statement on this matter, so what could others say or do?
Moreover, the alliance between Wang Maozhong and Ge Fushun essentially represents the entire Northern Army group, especially since Ge Fushun directly controls the Ten Thousand Cavalry, the core imperial guard force of the Northern Army. Even if he had a plan, he wouldn't dare to rashly interfere and sabotage things; it would be far too provocative!

Watching the eunuchs and the northern officials fight is a bit of a pleasure, but to take sides and fight for one of them is a serious matter.

"But I've heard rumors that Lady Wang has long admired Liu Lang. She is also exceptionally beautiful, talented, and graceful—a gentleman's ideal..."

Gao Chengxin then looked at Zhang Dai and chuckled softly.

"Sixteenth Brother, be careful what you say! I know you're just joking around, but you can't guard against eavesdroppers. If this gets out, you might make a lot of enemies!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dai immediately became serious and said, "I even began to secretly suspect that these eunuchs might be spreading rumors that he had an affair with Wang Maozhong's daughter."
After all, they hadn't had much contact. The only time they crossed paths was at the palace banquet last year when Lady Wang saved face for him. Zhang Dai was naturally open and honest, which is why he accepted Wang Shouzhen's invitation to come and offer his congratulations.

However, in this short time, this unfounded matter was repeatedly brought up by others, which inevitably made him secretly wary. So he immediately said, "I am not familiar with any of the officials from the North Gate in this hall. Since the discussion tonight has not yielded any good results, there is no point in staying here. I will go up to the hall to bid farewell to the host. Brother Sixteen, are you coming or not?"

"Sixth Brother, please wait a moment. I was in a hurry when I came here and did not bring some of the seasonal goods and gifts I had prepared. I just sent my disciple to fetch them. It will only take half an hour. We will go out together shortly afterward."

Upon hearing this, Gao Chengxin spoke again.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dai nodded. It was already quite late, and it would be inconvenient for him to leave the palace or travel alone in the streets. Eunuchs held special positions and therefore often had the privilege of traveling freely inside and outside the palace at night.

However, he harbored some doubts about the veracity of Gao Chengxin's words. How could this guy be so careless as to forget to bring the originally prepared gifts? Perhaps seeing the negotiations weren't going well, he wanted to increase the gifts to curry favor with Wang Maozhong?
But that doesn't make sense. You should know that the internal relationships among the eunuchs are even looser than those among the Northern Palace Guards. Otherwise, Gao Chengxin wouldn't have been betrayed by other eunuchs on the spot.

The real conflicts with the Northern Court were between high-ranking eunuchs like Gao Lishi and Yang Sixu, whose entanglements of interests could not be resolved through bribery.

But whatever Gao Chengxin's intentions were, Zhang Dai didn't plan to get involved too much. He would simply enjoy the wedding feast and then take his leave.

The two returned to the hall and saw that, apart from Yang Shaoyi, Yang Sixu's adopted son, all the other eunuchs who had come with them had sat down and chatted with Wang Maozhong, and they seemed to have more in common.

Upon witnessing this scene, Gao Chengxin's expression grew even more gloomy. Zhang Dai, on the other hand, was secretly pleased. The current eunuch party organization was truly disorganized, far inferior to the Northern Army soldiers who had been tempered by the Xuanwu Gate Incident. They still didn't know how to unite as one to fight for and defend the interests of the group.

The organization and cohesion are truly remarkable. According to the normal course of history, it would have taken at least until the mid-to-late Tang Dynasty for the eunuchs to effectively unite and become one of the most powerful and ruthless eunuch groups in ancient history. They would not have been so easily divided and disintegrated as they are now.

The three of them sat at the table like outsiders, unable to blend into the lively banquet atmosphere.

After dismantling the eunuch alliance, Wang Maozhong was filled with smug satisfaction. He even became more and more pleased with Ge Yanchang, the prospective son-in-law who had brought about a turnaround in his situation. He invited Ge Yanchang to sit at the same table with him and even personally poured him wine.

Ge Yanchang, receiving such courtesy, became increasingly smug and flattered, and frequently looked at Zhang Dai with a slightly provocative gaze, like a victorious general.

Zhang Dai was quite displeased by his gaze and could only think to himself, "It's only because I don't want to cause trouble, otherwise I would really make you wear a green hat, believe it or not."

Fortunately, it didn't take long for Gao Chengxin's gift-givers to arrive. They came directly from the inner palace, numbering twenty or thirty men and women. In addition to money and gifts, they brought many decorations and items, including curtains and furnishings stored by the Six Departments of the Inner Palace.

After Gao Chengxin finished his previous display of deference and directed the eunuchs and palace servants to make arrangements inside and outside, he returned to the hall covered in a fine layer of sweat.

As the saying goes, it's never wrong to be overly polite. Seeing his eagerness, Wang Maozhong smiled and said, "Thank you for your help with the furnishings, Gao. You are indeed diligent and meticulous. No wonder you, Gao, appreciate your service. If you ever tire of serving others, you can come to my service and I will treat you the same way."

These words were rather insulting, but Gao Chengxin dared not show his displeasure on his face. He simply crossed his hands and said, "Lord Huo is too kind. I am a lowly and incompetent official. I am already grateful for your appreciation and trust. How could I possibly ask for anything more? I have come to offer my congratulations and assistance today. I only hope that on our joyous occasion in the future, you will grant me a feast and fine wine!"

"Of course! When we return to Chang'an for the wedding, if you don't come, I'll have my son bring you here!" Wang Maozhong laughed loudly after hearing this, his expression becoming increasingly unrestrained.

Even Gao Chengxin, with his obsequious manner, was finding Wang Maozhong's arrogant attitude unbearable, so he excused himself, citing the need to return the palace servants. Seeing this, Zhang Dai also rose and took his leave. As for Yang Shaoyi, he had already departed.

"Go and see the guests out!"

Wang Maozhong had no time to see his guests off. He turned his gaze to his son, Wang Shouzhen, who was standing on the side of the hall, and gave him instructions.

Upon hearing this, Wang Shouzhen nodded hurriedly in agreement, and then respectfully led the two out of the hall, where they were escorted to the gate of the mansion by a group of palace servants.

Seeing this, Zhang Dai couldn't help but sigh inwardly at Wang Maozhong's skill in managing his household and making the most of everything. He forced his daughter, who couldn't be presented to the emperor, to marry a colleague to build a relationship, while keeping his son, who had been demoted to commoner status by the emperor, at home as a servant. He was truly shrewd and opportunistic.

However, what puzzled Zhang Dai the most was Gao Chengxin's attitude at Wang Maozhong's house.

Based on his understanding of this guy, this Sixteenth Brother might not be particularly shrewd, but he was quite ambitious, had a strong sense of self-esteem, and was very sensitive. It was quite unusual that he could remain unfazed even after being ridiculed and humiliated by Wang Maozhong.

"You all return to your respective posts first, and I will escort Liu Lang out of the palace."

After leaving Wang Maozhong's house, Gao Chengxin first waved to the palace servants and gave them instructions, leaving only a few eunuchs in plain robes to follow behind. Then he said to Zhang Dai, "It's late and the dew is heavy, Sixth Brother should hurry!"

After saying this, the guy strode forward, heading straight for Xuanwu Gate. Seeing this, Zhang Dai quickly followed. Although he was still a little puzzled, he could vaguely guess that the guy was up to no good.

The group of several people quickly left the palace through a side gate next to Xuanwu Gate. Gao Chengxin urged his men to hurry, and they almost ran out of the imperial city. They then went straight to Gao Chengxin's home in Daoguang Ward through the deserted streets.

"The Lord has returned home!"

Upon hearing the knocking, the servants in the manor rushed to open the door and welcome the group inside.

Gao Chengxin's wife, Gong Wu Niangzi, stood in the courtyard in a fashionable dress to greet him. What surprised Zhang Dai was that a bright and beautiful woman was standing next to Gong Wu Niangzi. It was none other than Du Yunqing, another female disciple of Gongsun Da Niangzi.

"I also know that my husband may stay overnight in the palace, so I invited my junior sister to come to the residence to keep him company."

Madam Gong quickly stepped forward, first explaining to Gao Chengxin, and then, upon seeing Zhang Dai who was following behind, she hurriedly gathered her skirts and greeted him, saying, "So, Sixth Brother is also returning with you."

"I apologize for disturbing you so late at night, my sister-in-law."

Zhang Dai first bowed to Madam Gong, then looked at Du Yunqing and nodded slightly, saying, "Eighth Madam Du, we meet again."

This Lady Du was also dressed in modern clothes, without any hairpins or makeup. She didn't look as stunning as when she performed on stage before, but she had a gentle and charming temperament.

"Young Master Zhang recently gifted me a generous sum of money, which I am deeply grateful for. My sister and I are just discussing when to invite him to express our gratitude again!"

Du Yunqing bowed to Zhang Dai and said, while Gong Niangzi, who was standing to the side, was obviously a little nervous. She was probably worried that her previous secret visit to the brothel would be brought up. She quickly pulled Du Yunqing and said, "Husband, please go to the main hall with Liu Lang. Yunqing and I will go to another hall."

Seeing his sister-in-law leave in a hurry, Zhang Dai felt a surge of amusement. He couldn't help but wonder what Gao Chengxin would feel if his sister-in-law also slipped out to play that night and Gao Chengxin couldn't find her when he returned to check on him. He had this joking thought, but he quickly stopped laughing.

After Gao Chengxin entered the hall, he first stuffed a wooden ball into Zhang Dai's hand and said to him with a smile, "I have kept your love letter for a long time, and brought that resentful lover with me. You should thank me for helping you."

Zhang Dai was stunned when he heard this, but before he could process what was happening, one of the eunuchs who had been following him suddenly stepped forward. By the light of the lamp, it was clear that she was a woman in disguise, none other than Lady Wang Rou Niang, whom he had seen at the palace banquet a few days ago.

“Zhang Lang…”

The young woman stepped forward and grasped Zhang Dai's stiff arm, her expression agitated, her words sounding like a sob.

(End of this chapter)