Tang Dynasty Xie Lu Lang

Chapter 375 All That Was Seen Was a Chicken
Faced with Li Linfu's accusations and the King of Hedong's questioning, Zhang Dai did not respond directly, but instead focused his gaze on the painting of General Li that was still laid out on the table.

Seeing that Zhang Dai remained silent, Li Linfu frowned slightly and said in a deep voice, "Does Zhang Xielu disdain to speak of such things?"

"No, it's just that I was so captivated by General Li's masterpiece that I couldn't bring myself to talk about anything else."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dai shook his head, pointed to the painting, and said with a smile, "General Li's painting is not only masterful in its brushwork, but also ingenious in its conception. Cockfighting is a popular pastime in the countryside, and the spectators are all capable generals and ministers in the court, while the emperor sits in the palace. Therefore, the spectators can all see themselves reflected in it."

The children in the neighborhood, seeing the rooster's proud and heroic posture, were naturally delighted. The scholars and virtuous, seeing the impeccably dressed and commanding generals and ministers, also felt admiration. Relatives and nobles, witnessing the late emperor's dignified bearing, and recalling the many kindnesses he had shown them, felt a deep and abiding affection. Therefore, whether high-ranking officials or commoners, each person, observing the rooster, gained something from it all.

"What I had seen before was merely the brushstrokes and painting techniques, but hearing Zhang Dai's words has indeed made this painting even more meaningful!"

Upon hearing this, the King of Hedong turned his attention back to the painting and couldn't help but lean over the table to examine it for a while.

Seeing that Zhang Dai was changing the subject, Li Linfu felt displeased. Moreover, he vaguely guessed how Zhang Dai would refute him, so he quickly said, "Zhang Dai's words may make sense at first glance, but when my late uncle was painting, I also stood beside his desk serving him ink, and I never heard of such a concept. Zhang Dai has overestimated it!"

When it comes to interpreting paintings, Li Linfu naturally has more authority than Zhang Dai. He immediately ridiculed Zhang Dai for over-interpreting the work and did not want him to make any further extensions based on it.

"Li Shi, your words are wrong. Once people are no longer in control, they are judged by others. For example, you just said that although Yuan Jiu violated the law, people all say that he did not lose his personal integrity. Does Yuan Jiu dare to admit this? I would like to ask Li Shi, if the greater good is lost, where is personal integrity? What kind of people can clearly explain this?"

Zhang Dai was about to elaborate, and Li Linfu couldn't stop him. A question immediately caught Li Linfu off guard.

Seeing Li Linfu's stunned silence, Zhang Dai turned to the Prince of Hedong and said, "There are a hundred ways to interpret a single event, depending on one's perspective. Li Shi and Yuan Jiu are very close friends, sharing a common hatred for the enemy. Thus, their deep affection has blinded them, and all they see is this chicken! This is all due to their strong bond, and I cannot bear to question their shortsightedness and narrow-mindedness!"
Yuan Jiu's crimes were tried and sentenced by the three judicial authorities; he was not unjustly punished. My reason for bringing this up is to rid the country of a traitor, to ensure the prosperity of the Tang dynasty, the unbroken ancestral sacrifices, and the perpetual enjoyment of titles and honors by the men and women of the imperial clan. If this great aspiration can be achieved, what is impossible?
The reason Genji died while I survived is that he prioritized personal gain over public duty, while I remained utterly selfless. General Li even recently painted a portrait to commemorate this event! This is merely my humble opinion; Your Majesty need not take it at face value.”

After saying this, he turned to Li Qiu, the Minister of the Imperial Clan Court, and asked him with a smile, "If we were in different places, would you do this or not for the sake of the eternal prosperity of our Tang Dynasty?"

"This, this, to eliminate traitors for the country, how can we be swayed by personal interests! I hope Zhang Xielu can also uphold this ambition forever, and do his utmost to ensure the prosperity of our clan and the nation!"

Faced with this sudden question, Li Qiu was slightly taken aback at first, but then quickly spoke up seriously.

"It's natural!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dai smiled and nodded. "For the sake of the nation's prosperity, I have done far more than you have seen. But in the future, you should not use that chicken analogy to define me as a loyal subject of the Tang Dynasty!"
The Prince of Hedong was not some impartial judge who could determine right and wrong. Hearing Zhang Dai's impassioned response, his slight discomfort vanished instantly. He clapped his hands and laughed, "This is certainly not a government office, but Zhang Dai's eloquent words are indeed pleasing to the ear."

Any disagreements you two may have are none of my concern. Once you've entered this place, you are all my guests, whom I welcome with pleasure. If, on any occasion, I fail to treat you well, you may leave and criticize me for my lack of hospitality. But since you've entered, there's no need to express your grievances to me!

This clearly demonstrates the stance of the authorities: they will not interfere in or inquire about the personal grudges between them, nor will they allow them to fight amongst themselves.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dai didn't say much. Li Linfu, however, felt a mixture of relief and disappointment upon hearing the Prince of Hedong's statement, and also regretted that he had come at the wrong time. If he had been able to visit at a different time than Zhang Dai, he could have more effectively slandered and defamed him.

Given the current situation, he could only hope to visit again another day. Even if Zhang Dai had a prior relationship with the Prince of Hedong, he couldn't arbitrarily restrict the Prince's social interactions. If he visited more frequently, he could gradually deepen his relationship with the Prince and find ways to gain some practical benefits.

The Prince of Hedong had already stated that it was inconvenient to host a banquet today, and now the setting sun was casting its rays into the hall from the west. Li Linfu and Zhang Dai had not gained any advantage in their verbal exchange, so they rose to take their leave together with Li Qiu. Seeing this, Zhang Dai did not linger and also took his leave.

As the King of Hedong saw everyone off, he also instructed his servants to prepare several gifts for them.

Zhang Dai was a frequent visitor, so naturally he didn't receive any gifts. Li Qiu and Li Linfu, however, were less frequent visitors. One was an elder of the clan and held the position of Minister of the Imperial Clan Court, while the other brought a famous painting as a gift, so they were obliged to give something in return. The Prince of Hedong, though a minor official, wasn't particularly stingy, and he still observed proper etiquette in welcoming and seeing off guests.

After Li Qiu and Zhang Dai mounted their horses and left, a servant from the Prince's mansion rushed in and whispered something to the Prince of Hedong. The Prince's expression immediately changed, and he raised his hand to Zhang Dai, saying, "Zhang Dai, you should dismount first. Ayu is back. It's not too late to say goodbye before you go."

Not to mention that Zhang Dai was summoned back to the mansion by the Prince of Hedong, Li Linfu couldn't help but look worried when he turned around and saw this scene. He hadn't expected Zhang Dai to interact so closely with these relatives and former associates. It seemed that his plan to befriend relatives and raise money to pay off his debts might not go smoothly!
At the residence of Prince Qi, Zhang Dai was dragged back by Prince Hedong. He was a little uneasy, but he was still dragged by Prince Hedong to the side courtyard. As soon as he entered the courtyard, he saw Princess Yunyang, dressed in Taoist robes, standing gracefully in the courtyard.

“Ah Yu, isn’t it a coincidence? Today, I was practicing ball with a group of people in the south of the city when one of my players accidentally fell and knocked over someone’s yard. When I went to apologize, I ran into Zhang Dai. It turns out he and a few others were in the south of the city…” The Prince of Hedong walked toward the county princess with a dry laugh, pretending to chat to cover up his nervousness and unease.

The county princess still had the same calm and elegant expression that Zhang Dai always saw. Zhang Dai couldn't guess what kind of demeanor this beautiful and otherworldly woman had that could make her brother so uneasy and nervous. He simply followed behind the Prince of Hedong and stepped forward to bow, saying, "Your Majesty is too kind. It would be impolite to refuse such a warm invitation. If I were to accompany you back to your residence, I would be an unwelcome guest once again. I have seen you frequently lately. I wonder if the county princess has grown tired of this vulgar person?"

“Long-lasting affection comes from closeness; how could it grow tiresome with increasing familiarity? Brother, you are handsome and kind, and wherever you go, it's like a spring breeze. Otherwise, why would my brother have been so eager to invite you? Or perhaps this eagerness has disturbed your other plans?”

The county magistrate looked at Zhang Dai with a smile, her eyes asking questions.

"It's nothing, I don't have any business to attend to! I'm currently on leave, so I can spend the next few days traveling and having fun!"

Zhang Dai quickly said, but the Prince of Hedong spoke up from the side: "It's not nothing! Aren't you plotting with Dou's son and Li Jiu of the Prince of Xin'an's family? You two can talk here in detail. I have just acquired a famous painting and need to go to my studio to organize and collect it."

After saying this, he ignored Zhang Dai and waved his hand before leaving.

Zhang Dai was somewhat embarrassed to be left there. Seeing the county magistrate looking at him with questioning eyes, he recounted how he and his group had worked together.

After listening, the Princess of Yunyang frowned slightly and stared at Zhang Dai, saying, "Am I not honest enough with you, my brother? Since you have money but lack the ability to complain, why don't you come to me instead of bothering other people?"

Normally, Zhang Dai wouldn't have thought much of these words, just felt a warm feeling in his heart. But having learned from the Prince of Hedong that the Princess of Yunyang had a somewhat domineering personality, he felt strange hearing them now, as if he were being kept.

Although the county princess had helped him a lot with money, and he didn't mind the feeling, he still needed to explain things to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings.

Then Zhang Dai said with a smile, "It's not because of a shortage of money, but because these tasks require manpower. I have enough capital here, but I'm afraid that you guys will treat this project as a game and won't put in the effort, so I'm forcing you to invest money to work together and manage your own profits and losses."

The construction of this tea garden will take a long time and involve a great deal of personnel, making it quite complicated. It will likely require frequent dealings with the government, which is why I did not initially plan to work with the county magistrate.”

"I am not bothered by the complicated affairs. But since you have your own plans and methods, I am at ease. You are exceptionally wise and your strategies are beyond the reach of ordinary people. It would be a great pity if you failed because of money."

Upon hearing this, the county princess's expression improved, but she quickly looked directly at Zhang Dai and asked, "Since you and my brother are traveling together to the south of the city, you must have been discussing current affairs along the way, right? He has been pampered since childhood and is flattered by everyone, so his words and actions may have been absurd. Please don't take it to heart, brother."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dai shook his head repeatedly. He did not see the eccentric and unruly Prince Zong, but only a fearful young man who had been driven out of his home and was at a loss for what to do.

"My servants reported that besides the Duke of Ying, another visitor, Li Linfu, a cousin of the Duke of Peng, also came. If I remember correctly, this fellow seems to have a grudge against my brother. What brings him here? Did he offend you?"

Leaving that topic aside, the county princess asked another question.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dai's spirits lifted immediately. Compared to the county magistrate, he was more familiar with the Prince of Qi's family and only had a nodding acquaintance with the Prince of Hedong. Therefore, he could be more frank with the county magistrate: "Li Linfu is a two-faced and treacherous man. Recently, because of the Pingkangfang residence land matter..."

Now that he is heavily indebted, his sudden visit with lavish gifts and sweet words suggests he has ulterior motives. I have a grudge against him, and my words may not be entirely impartial. However, I can only offer my private advice to the county magistrate, hoping that he will take precautions during this festival and refrain from allowing this scoundrel to steal his goods and flee.”

“Since you have given me wise advice, why bother to investigate whether it is fair or not! I have noted this matter down. He may travel within the sect, but if he intends to return with a large amount of goods, he is dreaming!”

After listening to Zhang Dai's account, the county magistrate immediately spoke in a deep voice. Then, she looked at the sky and said to Zhang Dai, "It's getting late. If you're not staying overnight, brother, you should leave quickly. Otherwise, you might be forced to stay somewhere else in the neighborhood due to the street drums!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dai blushed and said nothing more, then awkwardly took his leave.

(End of this chapter)