Although Lin Zheng received Zhang Fang’s assurance, he still felt uneasy. Thoughts of a potential alliance emerged, and he tentatively inquired, “I saw Scholar Zhang showing such respect to Xu Chang earlier. When it comes to marriage, shouldn’t we follow Xu Chang’s wishes? A man should establish himself before seeking family. What do you think we should do now?”
This was a question directed at Zhang Fang, asking whether they should consider an alliance.
Even if he wanted to deal with that group, Zhang Fang would not betray his own marriage by utilizing a woman from the Lin family.
Zhang Fang stood up and took a few steps in front of Lin Zheng, his appearance as beautiful as jade, moving with grace. He smiled warmly and said to Lin Zheng, “It’s not that Zhang Fang is reckless, but with my looks here, perhaps I will attract the interest of noble ladies when I enter the capital. If I achieve success in the future, I might even marry a princess.”
Lin Zheng: …
How infuriating!
His eyes twitched in frustration; Lin Zheng was green with jealousy! Yet he also recognized that Zhang Fang’s words held some truth. With Zhang Fang’s looks and luck, it was entirely possible he could catch the eye of high officials in the capital, and with extraordinary luck, he might actually marry a princess!
As the saying goes, people strive for higher ground, while water flows downward. Zhang Fang aimed to climb higher, and Lin Zheng really couldn’t stop him.
Thinking about how Zhang Fang’s family, relatives, and hometown folks were all in Dou County, Lin Zheng felt that Zhang Fang’s claims had considerable validity. After all, Zhang Fang couldn’t possibly drag a whole family of commoners to the capital to hinder his progress! As long as Zhang Fang’s relatives were here, Lin Zheng felt confident that Zhang Fang would protect him!
After contemplating the pros and cons of the entire situation multiple times, Lin Zheng ultimately decided to take a risk. If he could bring Xu Chang down, the position of governor of Jiangzhou would be his! If he failed, he would go to Zhang Fang! If Zhang Fang dared to abandon him, Lin Zheng would unleash his final trump card and threaten the lives of the Zhang family!
The two discussed the impeachment of Xu Chang for corruption and bribery for two hours. By the time dusk fell, the city gates had closed. Lin Zheng wanted to keep Zhang Fang at his residence, but Zhang Fang declined, saying he feared attracting attention. Thus, Lin Zheng reluctantly escorted Zhang Fang out of the city late that night.
When Lin Yue Rong learned that Zhang Fang had arrived, she had already dressed up and wanted to meet him. However, she was stopped by the steward outside, and she didn’t get a chance to see him before he left.
When Lin Zheng walked out and saw Lin Yue Rong looking all made up, he shook his head and disdainfully said, “Stop dreaming. Zhang Fang is going to marry a princess and noble ladies. You don’t have that fortune!”
His words shattered Lin Yue Rong’s pride and affection right away. Her face went pale, and her trembling lips rendered her speechless.
Lin Zheng didn’t care about her reaction; he had important matters to attend to! He headed to his study, first hiding the account books regarding years of bribery, then preparing a substantial amount of money to send to Xu Chang in the coming days. This time, he intended to dig a deep pit to bury Xu Chang!
After a few peaceful days back in his village, Zhang Fang was summoned by Xu Chang’s men.
Long before Zhang Fang gained fame, Xu Chang knew that Zhang Fang would have a bright future! He just didn’t expect that future to arrive so quickly. Although the second prince was a wasteful scion, he was captivated by Zhang Fang’s writings and even recommended him to the emperor!
The emperor wanted to see Zhang Fang! What immense honor and luck this was! Even Xu Chang, having served in the court for many years, had never been summoned by the emperor! Each time he entered the capital for business, he could only gaze at the emperor from a distance without the opportunity to speak to him!
Upon receiving the command from the third prince, Xu Chang wrote a letter to Zhang Fang, but he had not yet received a reply. Worried, Xu Chang decided to personally bring Zhang Fang to meet him. He needed to clarify the stakes of the situation to ensure that Zhang Fang firmly aligned himself with the third prince’s camp as their ally!
“I have been extremely busy lately, and this trip was rather rushed; I didn’t even pack any luggage,” Zhang Fang said with empty sleeves as he was brought before Xu Chang.
Xu Chang feigned helplessness, inviting Zhang Fang to take a seat and kindly explaining, “I’m doing this for your own good, which is why I wanted you to come early. I have some things to remind you of, to avoid offending nobles in the capital and causing you trouble.”
“Thank you for your concern, Teacher! In fact, I intended to make a trip to visit you. However, this journey has been so rushed that my family is a bit worried. Would it be possible for me to write a letter home to inform them?”
Xu Chang nodded and had someone prepare paper, pen, and ink, watching as Zhang Fang completed his letter to his family.
Once the ink dried, Zhang Fang sealed the letter and asked Xu Chang’s household to help send it out.
Just then, the kitchen had prepared a table full of dishes, and Xu Chang invited Zhang Fang to eat first. The two of them dined and drank for a while before getting down to business.
“Teacher, I feel quite anxious about this trip to the capital to meet the emperor. After all, I’ve never been to the capital, and I fear I might offend him on my first audience.”
Zhang Fang had consumed a fair amount of wine and displayed an uneasy expression, even reaching out to grasp Xu Chang’s hand while speaking. This was Zhang Fang’s first time acting like this towards Xu Chang, which showed just how tumultuous his feelings were.
Xu Chang smiled, placing his wine cup down and gently patting the back of Zhang Fang’s hand to comfort him, “Don’t be afraid. There will be people in the capital to protect you.”
At these words, Zhang Fang appeared somewhat excited, gripping Xu Chang’s hand tightly, anxiously asking, “Really?”
“Do you think I’d lie to you? If you do well, I’ll be proud of you,” Xu Chang answered, feeling pain but still not releasing Zhang Fang’s hand, maintaining his smile to reassure him.
With the other hand that held the wine cup now placed down, Zhang Fang scooted his chair closer to Xu Chang, excitedly saying, “Thank you, Teacher! Truly, once a teacher, forever a father! From now on, you shall be my father! I will certainly respect you well!”
Feeling satisfied inside, Xu Chang intentionally asked Zhang Fang, “Do you remember what I mentioned about the situation in court in the letter?”
Zhang Fang nodded, “I do! Currently, among the adult princes in court, only the crown prince and the third prince are competing for power. The second prince is a wastrel and rarely attends court. The fourth and fifth princes are twins, and their presence at court is considered inauspicious, so they have not been involved. Other princes are still underage. Teacher praised the third prince’s abilities in your letter. Could it be that the third prince…”
Before Zhang Fang could articulate his thoughts, Xu Chang interrupted him, nodding and saying, “That’s right! I am aligned with the third prince. He cares for the common people and has the potential of a wise ruler.”
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