After the steward delivered some consultation fees to send off Dr. Liu, Chancellor Zhang instructed the kitchen to prepare dishes that Zhang Fang loved and set off to the Dali Si with the food.
Upon hearing that Chancellor Zhang had come in person, the head of the Dali Si hurriedly abandoned his work and rushed to meet him. The unexpected visit likely meant he had heard something alarming—perhaps he already knew about Zhang Fang being beaten with thirty lashes! This matter was deeply connected to the Dali Si, and the head needed to explain that the national uncle had entered the jail with the empress’s command, demanding strict interrogation of Zhang Fang. Before the imperial edict, those in the Dali Si dared not defy the empress’s orders and thus resorted to torture.
The situation was complex. After all, the harem must not interfere with politics; the empress should not issue a decree to intervene in this matter. However, since the victim was her nephew, it was understandable that the empress might exert her influence.
When the head of the Dali Si met Chancellor Zhang, he observed that the other man appeared haggard but not angry. He speculated that perhaps Chancellor Zhang was still unaware of his son’s beating.
“I had the kitchen prepare some dishes for my son, so he can taste them,” Chancellor Zhang said, his expression neither sad nor happy and his gaze remarkably calm.
For a moment, the head of the Dali Si was unable to gauge the Chancellor’s intentions and could only respond calmly, “Thank you for making this trip, my Lord. I’ll personally deliver these to the jail for Young Master to enjoy.”
Chancellor Zhang looked at him with a smile that was not quite a smile.
The head of the Dali Si maintained a composed demeanor. The two were exchanging silent glances, each vying to see who could remain calm.
However, the head had many pressing matters to deal with, as several individuals came to seek him out. The facade of calm began to falter.
Seizing the opportunity, Chancellor Zhang spoke: “National matters are paramount, and as a minister, I must alleviate the ruler’s worries. Since there are numerous issues for the Dali Si to handle, you should focus more on the important affairs. Let me deliver the food; it’s been a few days since I’ve seen that boy. Let me see if he has any remorse.”
The head of the Dali Si realized he could not suppress the matter any longer. With his brow slightly furrowed, he had no choice but to personally take Chancellor Zhang to see Zhang Fang and proactively disclose the information about the beating along the way.
Throughout, Chancellor Zhang’s expression remained unchanged; he evidently already knew about Zhang Fang’s punishment! The head of the Dali Si advised, “My Lord, your son is not in serious danger. This injury will not harm him. Perhaps if the national uncle has vented his anger, he might let your son off the hook.”
Chancellor Zhang’s face still showed no evident emotion, making it hard to discern his feelings.
The head of the Dali Si was left speechless, simply choosing to remain silent.
As they approached the jail, Chancellor Zhang finally asked the head of the Dali Si, “Have you investigated everything thoroughly? Is there conclusive evidence?”
Even now, Chancellor Zhang struggled to believe that his son would commit murder. He thought, even intoxicated, his son would not push someone into the water intentionally.
The head of the Dali Si nodded and reluctantly replied, “The most crucial aspect of this case is the witness testimonies. Everyone present can testify that it was your son who pushed Dou Changkang into the water.”
“But those people were also drunk; how can we guarantee they did not misidentify someone?” It was not that Chancellor Zhang was paranoid, but the timing of Dou Changkang’s death and the timely assistance from Prince Qi made it hard for him not to suspect that this was a deliberate ploy against him.
The head of the Dali Si explained, “Everyone present, regardless of whether they had drunk alcohol, identified your son as the one who pushed Dou Changkang.”
Unless those witnesses changed their testimonies, it was impossible for Zhang Fang to clear himself of the murder charge.
Chancellor Zhang fell into silence and continued walking toward the prison.
Once they reached the furthest cell, the head of the Dali Si stopped, allowing Zhao the jailer to open the cell door. He did not accompany Chancellor Zhang inside but took the jailer outside, granting space for the Zhang father and son to have privacy.
Dr. Liu had given Zhang Fang pain-relief medication, which not only alleviated pain but also soothed the mind, allowing him to sleep soundly. The sound of the cell door opening and footsteps entering did not wake him.
Seeing his son in such a state felt like a piece of flesh was being torn from Chancellor Zhang’s heart, causing him sharp pain. His bloodshot eyes immediately became moist.
He reached out, wanting to touch his son, but as his hand was about to make contact with Zhang Fang, he hesitated.
Chancellor Zhang had many things he wished to say to his son, yet he didn’t want to wake him.
With a frowning expression, he let out a soft sigh, turning his head aside. He raised his hand, quietly wiping away his tears with his sleeve.
The candle flickered, and the elderly man sat hunched over. Even the small movements of raising his hand were careful, fearing he might awaken the sleeping youth.
Perhaps he was too hungry; even in his dreams, Zhang Fang caught a whiff of food.
He made an effort to eat the fried meatballs, but no matter how many he consumed, he still felt ravenous and unsatisfied.
The hunger was overwhelming, forcing Zhang Fang to wake up.
As he opened his eyes and saw a variety of dishes laid out before him, he was momentarily stunned. Was this dream not over yet?
He wanted to reach out, but a sharp pain shot through him. His beautiful face contorted in agony as he instinctively inhaled sharply.
“Hiss—”
“Fang’er, be careful.”
A hoarse voice appeared beside Zhang Fang, followed by a slightly wrinkled yet strong hand reaching in front of him, lifting him up carefully.
“Ah! It hurts! Don’t move me.” Zhang Fang could not sit up. His pain was evident on his face.
Chancellor Zhang was flustered and quickly set him back down, allowing Zhang Fang to remain in his original position.
“Fang’er, I’m here, don’t be afraid! Father will get you out of here!” Chancellor Zhang spoke in a deep voice, as if something was lodged in his throat, choking him slightly.
After overcoming the pain, Zhang Fang slowly raised his head and finally saw his father. He exclaimed with excitement, “Father, I was wrong! I shouldn’t have played with Shen Kun and his crowd! I should have listened to you and cut ties with them early on, focusing on my studies to achieve success, just like you and become a good official.”
The original character truly was youthful and unruly, especially after entering puberty, looking down upon everything, even harboring resentment towards Chancellor Zhang.