The Chief of the Dali Temple informed them: “Prince Qi has been executed by Young Master Zhang. Today, Young Master Zhang brought the coffin into the palace and set fire to it in front of the spirit tablet, turning Prince Qi into ashes! This act has shocked everyone! Now, Mr. Zhang can step out to take charge! And Your Highness, hurry and change your clothes, take a good bath; there’s much to attend to!”
Although the Chief of the Dali Temple did not explicitly state it, the Second Prince knew that he was going to ascend the throne! Overcome with joy, he foolishly hugged Prime Minister Zhang, exclaiming, “Mr. Zhang! I knew you could do it! You and your son are both remarkable! You are my lucky stars!”
Prime Minister Zhang had mixed feelings; this event was truly unexpected. His son had accomplished such a great feat? It sounded so surreal, like a dream. Even though Zhang Fang had matured, Prime Minister Zhang had never considered that his son could achieve such things. As long as Zhang Fang was safe, Prime Minister Zhang would be satisfied.
The Second Prince joyfully jumped up, but overwhelmed with emotion, fainted, shocking the Chief of the Dali Temple. Now, with the late emperor’s lineage reduced to the Second Prince, everyone was counting on him to take the throne; he must not come to harm!
Fortunately, the imperial physician arrived to check on the Second Prince and informed them that he had merely fainted from hunger.
Prime Minister Zhang did not bother to change his clothes and directly entered the palace to manage the affairs. Upon seeing the ashes and charred bones remaining in front of the mourning hall, he maintained a stern expression and walked inside.
Due to Zhang Fang’s status—not holding an official rank and not being of royal blood—he could not enter the mourning hall. However, because of Prime Minister Zhang’s high status and power, he was allowed to enter. After paying respects to the late emperor’s family, he inquired about Zhang Fang’s whereabouts.
Upon learning that Zhang Fang had returned home, Prime Minister Zhang eagerly wanted to go back and see his son, but he had heavy responsibilities and many matters awaited his attention. First, he called a meeting of the ministers to solidify the charges against Prince Qi, leaving no room for dissent. No one dared to speak in opposition; defending Prince Qi in this matter was equivalent to courting death. Thus, the charges against Prince Qi were established, documented in history, and proclaimed throughout the land, ensuring that the private soldiers raised by Prince Qi understood that this farce had ended and they should return home.
The second major task was determining the new heir to the throne. With only the Second Prince remaining from the late emperor’s lineage, he was undoubtedly the successor! No one opposed this, for to do so would be to offend the Second Prince! Once he ascended the throne, who would dare to remain in the court afterward?
With these two significant issues settled, the rest was organizing the enthronement ceremony and restoring normal order. There was no need for Prime Minister Zhang to supervise; each department stepped up to handle their respective responsibilities.
After the meeting, Prime Minister Zhang specifically went to see the Second Prince.
The Second Prince had eaten and bathed, looking refreshed. When he saw Prime Minister Zhang, he welcomed him with a friendly smile and politely inquired about the affairs of the court.
Upon learning that Prime Minister Zhang had taken care of these significant matters for him, the Second Prince beamed with joy, continually praising Prime Minister Zhang and Zhang Fang.
The Second Prince’s wife also could not believe how fortunate they were. The dragon throne and phoenix position had suddenly fallen into their laps, and the couple discussed how to reward the Zhang family father and son adequately.
After a long day of work, Prime Minister Zhang hadn’t eaten, and even the hunger didn’t matter anymore.
As soon as Uncle Xing spotted Prime Minister Zhang, he became envious and started recounting the hardships Zhang Fang faced outside. “Sir, Young Master has suffered so much! It’s all because of that calamity, Prince Qi!”
Uncle Xing began with how Zhang Fang dealt with bandits, to strategizing against Clerk Yang, aiding the disaster victims, and ultimately apprehending Prince Qi to quell the rebellion. Prime Minister Zhang listened at the door, realizing that although his son had accomplished so much—each feat sufficient to make him proud—he couldn’t bring himself to smile because of his concern for his son!
At the age Zhang Fang was now, Prime Minister Zhang had only focused on studying and passing exams. Yet Zhang Fang had faced so many significant events. Each was perilous, where a moment’s inattention could lead to death!
Prime Minister Zhang was somewhat irritated that Zhang Fang had not taken care of himself, but he felt guilt too. If he had not failed to protect his son, would Zhang Fang have suffered exile and danger? Nevertheless, Prime Minister Zhang was also deeply gratified; his son had truly grown up and matured. He judged evil and promoted good, fought bandits and aided the afflicted, quelled rebellions, and stabilized the court—just as Zhang Fang had declared before leaving the capital. He had become a source of pride for Prime Minister Zhang!
Holding back tears, Prime Minister Zhang stepped into the residence.
“Father!” Upon seeing his father, Zhang Fang hurried out, running to him and hugging him tightly.
Prime Minister Zhang also extended his arms, and the two embraced.
“Father, I’m home!” Zhang Fang said, grinning widely. His first task was already accomplished!
The tears he had restrained before now flowed freely. Prime Minister Zhang nodded and said, “It’s good to be back!”
His voice was hoarse and somewhat choked. He reached out to stroke Zhang Fang’s head, noticing that his son seemed to have grown taller.
“You must have faced a lot of hardship outside?” Prime Minister Zhang asked, feeling guilty, unable to look directly at Zhang Fang, instead staring at his head.
Zhang Fang smiled brightly, saying, “Seeing you, all the bitterness turns to sweetness! Father, let’s eat!”
Uncle Xing wisely instructed someone to warm the food and bring it to the table.
United at last, father and son turned adversity into fortune, and Prime Minister Zhang felt extremely happy.
Zhang Fang was also joyous, and the two drank a fair amount of alcohol together.
After the Second Prince ascended the throne, he granted the title of Duke of National Stabilization to Prime Minister Zhang. Zhang Fang was made the heir, and in addition, he was bestowed the fief of Meixian.
When Zhang Fang entered the palace to express his gratitude, he thoroughly explained the situation in Meixian to the new emperor.
The new emperor grew fonder of Zhang Fang the more he observed him. If it weren’t for the fact that his daughter was still very young, he might have wanted Zhang Fang for a son-in-law. Even knowing that there were gold mines in Meixian, he generously gifted the place to Zhang Fang.
Zhang Fang bowed to express his thanks to the new emperor but declined to accept the fief of Meixian, instead requesting the emperor to pardon the mountain bandits led by Chen Laoda, as well as the Lin family and Mu Qing.
The new emperor not only acquitted these individuals but also honored the heroes Mu Qing, Yuan Quan, and Chang Bao with titles. Officials like Hao Zhuang and Shi Houde also contributed significantly, receiving their own rewards. The mountain bandits led by Chen Laoda received settlement funds and land, becoming honest farmers from then on. As for the Lin family, the new emperor initially planned to reinstate Lin Zheng to his former position, but Zhang Fang declined the emperor’s offer, opting instead for a reward of one hundred taels of silver.