“Is that you, Young Master Zhang?” The jailer Zhao noticed that Zhang Fang’s eyes were wide open, vacant and lifeless, like someone who could not close their eyes in death. Startled by the expression on his face, Zhao swallowed hard and mustered the courage to approach.
“I’m going to die. I want to see my father before I die…” Between the choices of execution and exile, preserving his life was paramount! With one last chance at survival, he had to make a choice quickly! Zhang Fang didn’t understand why his father, the Chancellor, had not made a decision yet. Maybe he was thinking of other ways to save him? No matter what, they had to see each other again.
Zhao, with a stiff expression, tried to comfort him, “Young Master Zhang, you probably won’t die. After all, there’s a saying that misfortune lasts for a thousand years. You should be able to live at least a thousand years.”
Zhang Fang paused slightly, glancing sideways at the jailer, and lamented, “Thank you, but I’m really going to die. I must see my father, or else I won’t be able to close my eyes in peace.”
Zhao’s face showed signs of difficulty, and he could only agree to report this matter to his superiors.
Seeing the jailer prepare to leave and close the door, Zhang Fang rasped, “In what little time I have left, please leave me a bit of light.”
Zhao gazed at Zhang Fang’s backside with mixed emotions. This injury shouldn’t be fatal, right? Or was it that this delicate young master was too fragile, and a beating could truly be deadly?
After leaving the cell, Zhao did not shut the door behind him.
Zhang Fang was observing the cell; to be honest, it was quite clean.
After a moment, Zhao returned with a lantern, leaving it in the cell and mercilessly closing the cell door.
Zhang Fang opened his mouth to speak but didn’t have a chance to say anything.
Well, let it be! The door is closed, but at least there is light! I won’t be completely in the dark. Now all there is to do is wait for the Chancellor to come see him!
Zhang, the Chancellor, had been in great distress these past few days. His precious son had caused the death of the empress’s nephew, and now both the empress and the uncle wouldn’t let his son go. The emperor was also put in a difficult position. Given the Chancellor’s loyalty over many years, he could spare Zhang Fang from death, but he would still face hard punishment. The best outcome would be exile.
However, there would also be plenty of suffering in exile! After his wife’s death, Zhang had only this one relative left. Sending his son away to suffer thousands of miles away—wasn’t that like cutting off his own flesh?
Because of this matter, Zhang had not been able to sleep at night, lost his appetite, was plagued by headaches, and was unable to focus on his duties.
Today, he even spoke with the emperor, expressing that he would rather not be Chancellor if only the emperor would pardon Zhang Fang. But he was rebuked by the emperor instead. Zhang felt hopeless and despaired.
“Sir, there is a letter at the door.”
The steward entered the study and handed Zhang a letter.
Zhang was lost in thought and paid no attention to it.
Seeing that the food on the table had not been touched, nor had he even sipped his tea, the steward sighed and said with concern, “Sir, you need to eat something. Take care of yourself!”
Zhang didn’t want to hear this. Covering his head, he asked in a low voice, “Is there any news from the Dali Temple?”
The steward replied, “There has been no news. I believe the young master is fine inside. The Dali Temple must give you face and wouldn’t dare harm the young master.”
Zhang furrowed his brows, full of worry. He hadn’t visited his son in prison these past few days because there was no way to rescue him. He feared going to the jail and facing his son’s questions about why he hadn’t rescued him.
“Has there been any movement from the uncle?” The Duke of Dou had lost a legitimate son and certainly wouldn’t let things rest, so Zhang was worried that he would go to the Dali Temple to create trouble, pressuring them to punish Zhang Fang. So he kept someone watching the Dou family.
“The Dou family is currently in mourning and has not sent anyone to the Dali Temple,” the steward reported seriously.
Zhang still felt uneasy, unable to resist clutching his chest. It felt like he had half his strength drained away, leaving him listless, dispirited, and in despair.
He opened his mouth but then closed it again, gesturing for the steward to leave.
Seeing him so distressed made the steward feel bad as well, so he could only quietly retreat.
Zhang desperately wanted to see his son, but was also afraid to face him in the jail. The steward noticed his thoughts and dared not say more.
As dusk fell, the steward entered the study again to light the lamp. Seeing that the food was still untouched, he couldn’t help but sigh. He planned to bring some hot food over, but when cleaning up, accidentally spilled tea, wetting the table.
The distracted Zhang was pulled back to reality by the noise and glanced at the commotion indifferently.
“I’m sorry for my clumsiness! I wonder if this letter has gotten wet…” The steward, wiping the envelope dry, awkwardly and nervously handed it to Zhang.
Zhang took it, pulling out the letter inside and scanning the contents disinterestedly. Upon reading, his eyes instantly grew deep and sharp.
The person who was originally dispirited suddenly felt energized, filled with strength. Zhang abruptly stood up, but after sitting for so long, he felt dizzy from the sudden movement.
“Are you alright, sir?” The steward worriedly supported him.
Once he had stabilized, Zhang shook his head, his eyes suddenly brightening as if he had found the light in the darkness.
“Leave the room!”
Zhang ordered the steward to exit. He needed to contemplate this matter alone!
It was a poem written by Prince Qi. The content of the poem was unproblematic, but sending it at this time was thought-provoking.
Zhang had long noticed that Prince Qi was a person with deep thoughts and had previously warned the emperor to be careful of him. Yet the emperor treated Prince Qi as if he were a cripple and had never taken him seriously.
Now his own son was imprisoned, facing exile. Prince Qi sent this letter, subtly hinting at Zhang to ally with him! Indeed, Prince Qi had great ambitions!
If Zhang were to side with Prince Qi and assist him in seizing the throne, Prince Qi would surely release his son! This could be a way to save him!
However, Zhang did not want to betray the emperor! If it weren’t for having the emperor as his support, he wouldn’t have his current standing. If he dared ally with Prince Qi and assist with rebellion, he wouldn’t just face failure; he would be blamed! His reputation would be completely ruined!
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