Tang Dynasty Xie Lu Lang

Chapter 461 Infiltration of the Imperial Guard

Not only did the eldest Zhang clan member become even more enthusiastic towards Zhang Dai, but during the subsequent family banquet, other clan members also showered Zhang Dai with compliments and praise. What was originally a family banquet to celebrate Zhang Cheng's appointment as an official ended up with Zhang Dai becoming the absolute center of attention.

Zhang Yang didn't feel overshadowed at all, and said cheerfully, "I knew my nephew was extraordinary, and now I've truly benefited. Even if I don't have any outstanding talents, as long as I follow Zongzhi's instructions, I won't encounter any difficulties!"

Zhang Ji had already been rebuffed by his elder sister in the inner hall, and now that he saw his family members talking about Zhang Dai, he was even more annoyed. However, seeing his parents smiling, he didn't dare to say anything that would spoil the mood.

Hearing Zhang Yang's self-deprecating and disrespectful words, he couldn't hold back any longer and sneered, "What nonsense are you spouting! One who receives the emperor's salary should be loyal to the emperor. If you feel that your talents are not commensurate with your official position, then you should strive to improve yourself. To disregard the order of seniority just because of a temporary favor, such sycophancy, what kind of family tradition is this!"

"What about my family's traditions? My family's traditions are excellent. My parents love and care for the younger generation, and my children and nephews care for their elders. Although I myself am not talented, I still know how to dress up to please my parents and greet people with a smile! Whether it is a phoenix or a sparrow, each has its own way of doing things! The prince consort seeks glory by marrying the princess, but I have my closest relatives to support me. Instead of complaining that I have lost my sense of order, I should go back and examine the proper relationship between husband and wife!"

Zhang Yan, who often roamed the streets, was naturally not easily swayed by words. When he heard Zhang Ji belittle him like this, he immediately retorted without hesitation.

The members of the Zhang clan had initially felt honored that Zhang Ji had married the princess, but after spending time with him recently, they found themselves treated like servants and were all complaining bitterly. Hearing Zhang Ji say this, they were all quite pleased, and several of the younger members couldn't help but laugh.

Most of the Zhang clan members now understand that although the princess and her husband are family, they are arrogant and unapproachable. However, Liu Lang is approachable and has the ability and willingness to help the clan members. Naturally, it is more beneficial to stay by Liu Lang's side.

This way of thinking might seem a bit snobbish, but it is human nature to seek advantage and avoid harm. If they distanced themselves from the helpful Zhang Dai and went to serve as servants under the princess, it wasn't a matter of being snobbish or not; it was simply being shameless!

Zhang Ji had always felt that Zhang Dai was intentionally or unintentionally provoking him in this family. Now, hearing that even Zhang Yan had been won over and sown away by Zhang Dai, no longer respecting him as his elder brother, he was naturally furious. He was about to reprimand him when he saw his father's eyes turn cold and sharp, so he could only swallow his anger and drink with his brother-in-law Lu Zheng, who was sitting at the same table.

However, after drinking a few cups of wine with him, Lu Zheng suddenly took out a scroll from his pocket and walked straight to Zhang Dai's seat, smiling as he said, "Sixth Brother, your aunt is at home resting during her pregnancy, so I'm the only one who's come to congratulate you today. It's not that I'm unwilling to come home and be close to you! If we've had any disagreements in the past, please consider my feelings and let it go with a smile. Today I've brought a scroll of poems and essays, hoping you can take a look and see if it suits your taste."

"Uncle, you flatter me. My aunt is my benefactor. Any advice she gives is only to help me learn from her good qualities, and I am always very grateful for it. I only reflect on my own shortcomings and would never complain about my benefactor's teachings. Besides, if it weren't for my aunt, I'm afraid I would never be able to sit down and have a pleasant conversation with you!"

Zhang Dai found his uncle-in-law utterly baffling. "My relationship with my aunt is already strained, so who does he think he is? What right does he have to come here and act like a peacemaker?" Lu Zheng's self-satisfied demeanor only made Zhang Dai think that his grandfather's judgment in choosing in-laws was truly terrible!
As for the document handed to him by Lu Zheng, he didn't even take it, but just smiled and said, "Today we are gathered here to celebrate my uncle's promotion to a new post. As for other matters, we can talk about them another day. Besides, my grandfather is a renowned scholar, so what right do I have to show off in front of such experts!"

"Sixth Brother is right, I was wrong. Let's do it another day. I'll find an art gallery in Sanqu, prepare food and wine, and invite Sixth Brother to gather and discuss art together!"

Upon hearing this, Lu Zheng awkwardly put the document away and then spoke to Zhang Dai.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dai rolled his eyes and couldn't help but give Lu Zheng a thumbs up. "You're a real hero! Inviting your wife's nephew to a brothel in front of your entire family, especially when your wife is pregnant!"
Lu Zheng's words caused an awkward silence in the hall. The old lady, Madam Yuan, who had been cheerful, immediately lost her composure. Her face darkened as she said, "Young Master Lu is a distinguished young man from a prominent family. He should be dedicated to his art, set his mind on his career, cultivate himself and manage his family. Playing around is of no use! My son is also short-sighted and probably lacks the knowledge and experience to appreciate and enjoy theatrical performances!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dai nodded quickly, saying that his grandmother was right. It was not something a human being should do to go to the brothel every day to drink and have fun. We ambitious young people do not even know which way the door of a brothel faces!

But it's one thing for his grandmother to reprimand her son-in-law, but to say he lacks experience and knowledge is blatant lying. He's a proper, high-ranking official in the entertainment industry, and he just passed his performance review this year. Which local folk song wouldn't be sung for me first? Would she dare perform it publicly?

“My mother-in-law is right. I will definitely keep her teachings in mind and will not dare to be unruly.”

Even with his poor emotional intelligence, Lu Zheng could tell that his mother-in-law was a little dissatisfied. He immediately bowed and replied, then dared not say anything more. He awkwardly retreated to his seat. Just as he was about to have another drink with the prince consort to ease his embarrassment, Zhang Ji snorted and turned his back.

The family dinner was generally a joyous occasion, and although there were some minor discordant notes, everyone automatically overlooked them.

Clan members flocked to join the drinking, and by the time the banquet ended, Zhang Dai was already quite drunk. Stepping outside, the wind intensified his intoxication, and by the time he returned to his courtyard, he was nearly unconscious, yet still felt unbearably hot and restless, inevitably leading to a passionate dream. The next day, as soon as the city gates opened, Zhang Yang eagerly went to the imperial court to register for his new post. When Zhang Dai arrived at the imperial city, Zhang Yang, already dressed in a brand-new official robe, stood before the Vermilion Bird Gate. Upon seeing Zhang Dai riding towards him, he immediately strode forward, laughing and saying, "Isn't this attire impressive? Zongzhi, if you have any problems, just come to me. Even here within the palace gates, I can gather my followers immediately to protect you!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dai felt an overwhelming sense of security. He had a deep-seated grudge against the Northern Gate, but now that his own people had infiltrated the Imperial Guard system, even if the Northern Gate generals harbored great resentment towards him, they wouldn't dare to amass a large force to attack within the Imperial City. He no longer needed to worry about being caught off guard if a few people blocked or harassed him in the street.

"Uncle, while you are serving as the Left Gate Guard, you must also keep an eye on the arrangements of the government office. For example, if the Duke of Bohai intends to recruit strong soldiers to serve as guards, you must silently note it down and inform me as soon as possible!"

Zhang Dai called Zhang Yan aside and whispered to him to pay attention to the actions of the eunuchs towards the palace guard system.

The eunuchs' sphere of influence was relatively limited, and they had not yet been deployed on a large scale to serve as supervisors within the border military system. Therefore, the methods available to Gao Lishi and others who wanted to build their own power within the imperial guards were also limited. Zhang Dai could use these opportunities to gradually infiltrate his own personnel and influence.

Although Zhang Yan didn't know what Zhang Dai was planning, he nodded quickly after hearing the instructions and said, "Zongzhi, don't worry, I know how to handle this. When I went to the office this morning, I already arranged for the colleagues to have a gathering this evening. You don't need to pay for it. I'll rent the car registration you gave me to Kang Lide's family for use and collect some rent. I'll take it back and run it myself after I've bought some shops and carriages. I just need you to give me a handwritten letter so I can go to the North Lane to gather famous actors and show off!"

Zhang Dai, finding his plan reasonable, beckoned him to come with him to the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, where he wrote a letter for the man to take with him. A man's reputation precedes him; given his current influence in the capital, no one in the pleasure quarters dared to disrespect him.

"Is Attendant Zhang staying at his post today? Does he not need to go to the Censorate?"

The registrar Zhao Ling hurriedly entered the hall, bowed to Zhang Dai, and asked with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dai waved his hand and said, "I just came to take a look. If there's nothing important, I'll go to the magistrate's office. I saw that Ma Xielu has already taken his luggage. Is he resigning?"

"Not yet, I haven't heard of any new officials being appointed. Ma Xielu is just afraid of being gossiped about, so he took his luggage away first. He will still have to go to the government office sooner or later, but it's inconvenient to go out since he lives outside the city."

As Zhao Ling was speaking, Ma Lizheng, covered in sweat, hurriedly entered from outside. Upon seeing Zhang Dai in the hall, he quickly bowed and said, "Zhang Xielu, Zhang Shiyu, I am truly sorry that I am late!"

"No problem, I just arrived too."

Zhang Dai waved for Ma Lizheng to sit down and asked with some curiosity, "Ma Xielu is still awaiting a replacement. If a successor takes office, what are your plans? Will you return to your hometown to await selection, or will you stay in the capital to seek opportunities?"

"I have not returned to my hometown for several years. I intend to return first to pay respects at my ancestors' graves before considering where to go next. My family is not a wealthy household in the village, and we have no assets to make a living. My wife and young children still need to make a living."

Upon hearing this, Ma Lizheng sighed and said that his family was from Jingzhou and was not a wealthy family. After coming to Chang'an to serve as an official, he sold off all his family's houses and fields, and when he returned to his hometown, he could only stay temporarily with relatives and friends.

However, relying on others is not a long-term solution, and the term of office often lasts for several years. Without a means of livelihood, one is likely to fall into abject poverty.

“I know very well that you, Ma Xielu, are quite accomplished in your studies. There is a Zhao family seal shop in the East Market. They are preparing to compile a selection of essays for the summer exams of the candidates. If you, Ma Xielu, do not find the merchant family's money-grubbing nature disgusting, you can take my name card to inquire. Perhaps I can hire you. Although the pay is not high, it will be enough to provide your family with three meals a day and two clothes.”

After thinking for a moment, Zhang Dai handed his calling card to Ma Lizheng and said to him with a smile.

Although Ma Lizheng appeared to be down on his luck and unsuccessful, he was actually very learned, which is why he gained the appreciation of Ma Huaisu and Yuan Xingchong and was summoned to the capital to compile various classics and books. If this were in later generations, he would be an academic luminary who could be selected for the college entrance examination question-setting team.

(End of this chapter)