Tang Dynasty Xie Lu Lang

Chapter 475 Wang Mang's Humility Before Usurping Power

"Sixth Brother, you're too kind! I apologize for bothering you without asking if you had time beforehand!"

Song Zhuo quickly bowed to Zhang Dai in greeting, then turned to his younger brother and sister and introduced them: "This is my younger brother, and this is my younger sister. They have long admired the renowned Sixth Master of the capital. Knowing that I was coming to express my gratitude today, they all insisted on coming along, so I brought them all here. Please forgive these unwelcome guests, Sixth Master!"

"It is a great honor to have such a distinguished young man enter my hall!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dai bowed slightly to the somewhat reserved young man and woman behind Song Zhuo. The two hurriedly returned the bow, bowing their heads and saying, "We've bothered you, thank you for your understanding, Sixth Brother."

Zhang Dai raised his hand and beckoned his family members, instructing Aying and the others who were still strolling in the backyard to come and help entertain the young lady of the Song family. He then smiled and said to Song Xiu, "This lady must be Song Qilang. My brother told me that you two were classmates at the academy. Qilang is excellent in both character and learning and is a top student at the academy. I hope you won't mind my brother's youthful foolishness and unruly nature and will befriend him so that he can learn from the virtuous!"

"Sixth Brother, you flatter me. I am the one who should learn from Zhang A and Seventh Brother!"

Upon hearing this, Song Xiu immediately replied with great excitement. Zhang Dai was particularly influential among the young students in the capital region, to the point that Zhang Yi was able to gather many followers in the academy by leveraging his elder brother's name.

Zhang Dai exchanged brief pleasantries with the two brothers, then looked back at Song Zhuo and asked with a smile, "What brings you here to thank me, Young Master Song?"

"I met Liu Lang at the Music Bureau a few days ago, and we had a very pleasant conversation. Yesterday, I went to the Secretariat to receive the imperial edict and was appointed as the Assistant Musician. I have been traveling for several years and have few close friends or acquaintances in the capital. I am suddenly promoted, and I think it is because Liu Lang recommended me. That is why I have come to express my gratitude."

Song Zhuo quickly spoke again.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dai laughed again: "So this is what you're referring to, Song Lang. Congratulations on the use of your talent. However, Song Lang has misunderstood. This matter was not accomplished by me, but by Prince Shou."

Prince Shou was intelligent and quick-witted from a young age, and he valued talent highly. The day he met Song Lang at the music academy, he repeatedly praised him upon his return, saying that it was rare to find a descendant of a famous minister with such refined taste and talent, and that it would be a great pity to let him go to waste; he should be recommended. Unexpectedly, the matter was resolved the very next day, showing how eager Prince Shou was to recommend talent!
Although I had a pleasant conversation with Song Lang and wished to assist him, I am of humble status and my words carry little weight; even with this intention, it would be difficult to accomplish anything. Fortunately, thanks to the King's words, and of course, Song Lang's talent is truly admirable, and the Duke of Guangping is renowned throughout the land; a fine tree naturally bears fine fruit, hence his promotion.”

"Shou Wang?"

Song Zhuo was taken aback upon hearing this. He recalled that Prince Shou had indeed praised him recently, but he didn't see any indication that he would be so impressed as to recommend him immediately. Moreover, Prince Shou was so young that even if he were to offer a recommendation, it would be difficult to gain the Emperor's attention.

"Your Majesty's wisdom and courtesy towards scholars are truly a blessing to the nation. If we meet again in the future, I will certainly express my deepest gratitude. However, before that, I must also thank Liu Lang for his kindness in introducing me!"

Although Zhang Dai was unwilling to take credit and attributed the recommendation to Prince Shou, Song Zhuo did not forget to express his gratitude to Zhang Dai. He still bowed deeply and said sincerely.

He knew that the reason his grandfather had opposed his acceptance of the appointment was probably because he was worried that Zhang Dai would lure him into getting involved in Consort Wu Hui's scheme to become empress.

However, in his view, this was not something to be kept secret or taboo. His association with Zhang Dai did not mean that he supported Consort Wu Hui becoming empress. Moreover, the current emperor was wise and capable, and he would handle the affairs of the harem in his own way. There was no need for his ministers to worry about preventing problems from arising.

Moreover, such a major matter was simply beyond the control of low-ranking officials like themselves. As long as the monarch was wise and the prime minister upright, the affairs of state would not descend into chaos. His grandfather's thinking was merely an overemphasis on his reputation, to the point that his words and actions became overly cautious.

Zhang Dai was unaware of Song Zhuo's thoughts. As long as Song Zhuo accepted the appointment, he could gradually incorporate Song Zhuo into his circle of friends and use Song Jing's name to endorse his small group to a certain extent.

Of course, Zhang Dai did not intend to use this to engage in any conspiracies or tricks. In fact, many of the things he did were essentially beneficial to the country and its people, but he simply did not use conventional methods and approaches.

Because conventional methods rely too heavily on individual factors for success, are constrained by the political situation, and lack sufficient influence and decision-making power, they can only push things forward by finding alternative paths.

To circumvent government and other administrative bodies and seize control of the discourse, one needs immense charisma and the ability to gain followers. Therefore, Zhang Dai consistently cultivated an image of righteousness, integrity, selflessness, and fearlessness in the face of power. As the saying goes, if Wang Mang had been inherently wicked before his usurpation, who would have followed him?

However, it takes time to cultivate such an image. Although Zhang Dai has gained some fame, the gap between him and Song Jing is obvious. He has not even earned the nickname "Little Song Jing" yet, which shows the difference.

Of course, it was somewhat odd that Zhang Shuo's grandson was called "Little Song Jing." So Zhang Dai didn't insist on such a reputation and decided to just bring Song Jing's grandson along to work together.

Song Jing was a living testament to the Tang Dynasty's golden age, even more so than Wei Zheng during Emperor Taizong's reign. Unfortunately, his exemplary conduct was not passed down. After his death, his sons were all morally corrupt, engaging in extortion, bribery, forcing women into prostitution, and even harboring thugs and assassins. History lamented, "The spirit of Guangping has declined!"
Now that Zhang Dai has brought his grandson over, Song Zhuo doesn't even need to perform exceptionally well. As long as he doesn't become as abstract as his uncles, then the spirit of Guangping will be won over! Standing on the moral high ground to argue and fight with people is simply too satisfying!

Zhang Dai naturally couldn't explain these plans to Song Zhuo in detail. He warmly invited the Song brothers into his house, and the more the Song brothers went inside, the more amazed they became.

When they arrived at the central hall of the mansion, which resembled a crescent moon embracing a lake, Song Xiu, a young man with a somewhat shallow mind, couldn't help but sigh softly, "Sixth Master's mansion is truly more magnificent and beautiful than the royal residence!"

Upon hearing this, Song Zhuo couldn't help but roll his eyes at his outspoken younger brother. Worried that Zhang Dai might misunderstand and think he was mocking his extravagance, he gently rebuked him, "How many royal residences have you visited before daring to make such remarks? Sixth Brother built this mansion for his own comfort, not for showing off or competing with others..."

"It's alright. Seventh Brother has excellent eyesight. The materials used in this house are indeed the same as those in the Wang residence."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dai smiled. He was very satisfied with his villa, so how could he not like being praised?
Moreover, his residence was indeed more elaborate than the Ten Princes' Residence. The Ten Princes' Residence was built together with several other residences, and it was after the Fengshan ceremony when money and grain were greatly depleted. The main structure of the residence was made of rammed earth, while Zhang Dai's own house was made of blue bricks and bright tiles, which was incomparable to the clods of earth in the Ten Princes' Residence.

Seeing that Song Zhuo's expression was different, he said with a smile, "At the beginning of the year, when I was still serving as the Left Remonstrance Official under the Ministry of Justice, I suggested a method for assessing and approving stolen goods in the Ministry of Justice. This plan pleased the Emperor greatly. Not only did he order General Li and Wu Daozi to paint my portrait, but he also bestowed upon me the surplus materials stored in the warehouse of the Imperial Workshop for the construction of a new residence. What you said, Seventh Brother, is indeed comparable to the Wang residence."

"I know about this matter, I know about this matter! I was fortunate enough to see the portrait of Zhang Xuanliu Lang in the office of the Hanlin Academy in the Southern Palace!"

Upon hearing this, Song Xiu immediately spoke with great excitement.

Song Zhuo was not quite aware of this, but after listening, he looked at Zhang Dai with admiration and exclaimed repeatedly, "No wonder, no wonder! The deeds of Liu Lang are truly admirable. This is the style that young officials like us should have! With the Holy Emperor's grace and favor, how could we not serve him with utmost loyalty?"

If Song Zhuo only owned this mansion because of his family's wealth, even if he praised it verbally, he would inevitably feel somewhat unconvinced and wouldn't think it was anything to boast about. After all, although he went against his grandfather's wishes in taking the position of Xie Lu Lang, his views on some things were still influenced by his upbringing.

But when he heard that Zhang Dai had received the emperor's favor because of his diligent advice and suggestions, the mansion and hall became even more magnificent in his eyes, and he even felt a sense of pride that a true man should be like this.

After all, his family's mansion was a gift bestowed upon him because of his grandfather's loyalty, integrity, and service to the country. This was far more glorious than that of those royal relatives who enjoyed wealth and honor simply because of their blood ties!
Song Zhuo was already grateful to Zhang Dai, and he was troubled by the Ying family's predicament. He could only watch helplessly as his relatives were ridiculed by their clansmen at home. Now, seeing Zhang Dai manage to build such a magnificent mansion in the capital with his own strength, Zhang Dai suddenly became an impeccable perfect person in his mind, the kind of person he dreamed of living!
However, the mansion is not as magnificent as it looks from the outside. The interior is still lacking in decoration and finishing touches. After all, it was already quite remarkable that the craftsmen worked day and night to complete the main construction by the end of June. The interior decoration of the mansion still needs to be carried out.

Zhang Dai had only come today to finalize the decorating style and instruct on the making of some furniture; he wasn't yet prepared to entertain guests. Therefore, after inviting the two men into the hall to sit for a while, he immediately invited them back to his mansion in Yongle Lane to be his guests.

However, the Song brothers were on their way from the Yonglefang mansion, so it was not appropriate for them to return and disturb them. They got up to take their leave, but before leaving, Song Zhuo somewhat embarrassedly mentioned that his grandfather had invited Zhang Dai to visit his home.

"Lord Guangping rarely invites guests to his home, so I am truly honored to receive this invitation. Today is already halfway over, and hasty preparations may seem disrespectful. You two should return home for now, and I will visit you again tomorrow!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dai immediately responded with a smile.

(End of this chapter)