This understanding comes at the cost of lives and the separation of father and son, a burden too heavy to bear! Prime Minister Zhang has always hoped his son could be mature, but not in such a way as this.
His words left the steward crying bitterly. After wiping his tears for a while, he looked up again and asked, “My lord, shall I personally accompany the young master into exile?”
The Prime Minister had indeed considered arranging for someone to accompany Zhang Fang to ensure he was taken care of, but such arrangements would make King Qi believe he truly cared for this son. He might even use Zhang Fang to coerce the Prime Minister again.
Zhang Xiangxiang needed to show a firm stance, making it clear to these treacherous ministers that he cared for his son, but that the lives of family members must come second to loyalty to the emperor and love for the country. Therefore, he could not arrange for anyone to accompany Zhang Fang into exile.
Raising his hand, he gestured silently.
The steward could not help but say, “But this is exile! The road is long and arduous! Even if he survives to the frontier, he will have to toil as a laborer! The young master has never suffered—how can you bear to let him go through this suffering?”
“How could I not know how bitter exile is! This is my only child! Do you think I want him to go into exile?” Zhang Xiangxiang’s eyes turned red as he slammed the table, clenching his hands into fists.
Seeing the Prime Minister in such anguish, the steward stiffened his face and changed his words: “I misspoke. I just don’t want the young master to go into exile. Even if he must go, you should arrange for someone to be by his side to take care of him, so he might suffer less.”
“This matter need not be mentioned again! Prepare the luggage! Enough, I will choose for myself!” The Prime Minister adjusted his emotions and sat down slowly.
The steward, at a loss for words, could only turn and leave.
That night, Zhang Xiangxiang slept heavily.
After recharging his energy, he returned to his duties, diligently managing the state affairs. After finishing work, he returned home to cook noodles, bringing food to the prison cell to keep his son company, and then personally went to the market to buy things. He compared prices from three vendors, carefully selecting suitable luggage for the long trip.
On the day Zhang Fang’s charges and penalties were announced, many people were discussing it.
Some believed that the emperor, taking into account Zhang Xiangxiang’s years of loyalty to the country, had shown mercy by sparing Zhang Fang from the death penalty, sentencing him instead to exile at the frontier.
Others were dissatisfied with the decision, especially the Dou family, with Queen Dou even going to confront the emperor. However, she was scolded for trying to use her position to interfere in a criminal case. She was warned that if she did so again, the queen’s gold seal would be confiscated. Queen Dou could only swallow her anger and refrain from further outcries.
No matter how others viewed the matter, Zhang Xiangxiang and Zhang Fang maintained a harmonious relationship, cherishing their time together.
On the day Zhang Fang left the capital, Zhang Xiangxiang and the steward brought supplies to see him off outside the city.
“Fang’er, I have everything ready for you. Outside, take good care of yourself! Write home if you need anything!” The Prime Minister restrained his sorrow and earnestly advised his son.
The steward handed the package over for the official to inspect, who gave it a cursory look and was extremely polite. Even though Zhang Fang was a criminal, he had a Prime Minister for a father! As long as Zhang Xiangxiang stood, they had to treat this young master with respect!
With handcuffs on, Zhang Fang opened his arms and embraced Zhang Xiangxiang, whispering, “Father, take care of yourself.”
Zhang Xiangxiang held his son tightly, looking up at the sky, trying to hold back his tears. He choked out, “I know, my son.”
His son had been framed and wrongfully exiled; this injustice had yet to be cleared. Zhang Xiangxiang understood he must not falter; he needed to stay healthy. He would eliminate the rebels and restore his son’s innocence, bringing him back clean and clear!
Zhang Fang took out a grasshopper he had crafted from straw while in his cell, offering it to Zhang Xiangxiang: “Father, I made this myself.”
Despite holding back his tears, when the Prime Minister saw the hideous grasshopper, he could not help but feel his eyes welling up. He quickly tucked the item into his sleeve and, releasing Zhang Fang, turned his head away, saying, “Set out early. Try to find a place to rest before dark, so you don’t end up spending the night in the wilderness.”
“Okay. Father, I’m leaving now.” Zhang Fang took a few steps back and knelt to bow to Zhang Xiangxiang.
“I’m an unfilial son! Father, wait for me! I will return in glory and make you proud!”
His bow was loud, and Zhang Fang’s voice echoed.
The steward was already crying, wiping his tears continuously.
Zhang Xiangxiang finally lost control of his tears, letting them fall freely.
After bowing, Zhang Fang stood up, smiling brightly as he waved at Zhang Xiangxiang before turning to leave.
Seeing this, the steward cried out, “Young master! Take care! Look after yourself!”
Zhang Xiangxiang wanted to chase after him, but his feet felt heavy, as if they were nailed to the ground; he simply could not move. He could only watch Zhang Fang step by step, slowly walk far away from him.
Zhang Fang did not look back; in truth, he feared seeing his father weeping reluctantly. This paternal love was far too heavy.
The officials, used to such separations, knew it was not a suitable time to speak. So they silently followed Zhang Fang’s footsteps, occasionally glancing back at the people at the city gate, curious if Zhang Xiangxiang would pursue his son. However, they were disappointed; even though he was his only son, and despite his reluctance, Zhang Xiangxiang did not stop Zhang Fang’s exile.
It was the steward of the Zhang family who knelt in tears here.
Zhang Xiangxiang tightly clenched his hands together, turning red as he took a deep breath, adjusting his emotions and regaining control of his tears. Then he turned around and boarded the carriage.
The steward remained on the ground, crying, completely unaware that Zhang Xiangxiang had gotten into the carriage.
After they traveled several miles, an official, concerned that this young master could not endure the journey, asked, “Young Master Zhang, do you want to rest for a moment?”
Zhang Fang shook his head and replied, “My father said we need to hurry so that we can find a place to stay before dark.”
The official had no choice but to stop persuading him. Looking at the passersby, he quietly told Zhang Fang, “There are many people in the capital, and their eyes are sharp. Once we leave, we will help you take off the chains. Then traveling will be much easier!”