“Father, I want to rest for a while.” After eating and drinking to his fill, Zhang Fang was indeed feeling sleepy.
Noticing Zhang Fang’s injury, Zhang Zhaixiang asked with concern, “Is your wound hurting?”
Zhang Fang explained, “The court appointed a doctor to change the dressing for me, and it doesn’t hurt as much now. Father, did that doctor tell you about me when he got home, which is why you came to see me?”
Recalling this matter, Zhang Zhaixiang’s expression turned a bit solemn, but he responded to his son gently, “Yes. I didn’t expect they would inflict punishment on you; it was my fault. If I had come to see you sooner…”
As he spoke, Zhang Zhaixiang’s face showed guilt and regret.
Zhang Fang interrupted him, “Father, it’s not too late now. I’m looking forward to the longevity noodles you make!”
Zhang Zhaixiang adjusted his mood and solemnly agreed to his son.
Feeling drowsy, Zhang Fang closed his eyes and softly said, “Father, could you wait until I fall asleep before you leave?”
“Okay!” Zhang Zhaixiang watched his son with loving eyes.
As Zhang Fang’s breathing became steady and regular, Zhang Zhaixiang found it hard to leave.
Until footsteps were heard from outside, Zhang Zhaixiang took off his outer robe and covered Zhang Fang with it before stepping back carefully. As he turned to leave the cell, all his emotions vanished, and his expression became calm as water.
The Minister of Justice was still waiting outside. He didn’t mean to rush Zhang Zhaixiang; it was just that the jailer wasThoughtless and, at shift change, Zhao the jailer insisted on leaving to fetch his belongings!
Seeing Zhang Zhaixiang come out, the Minister of Justice stepped forward with an awkward smile. He explained, “I have been keeping an eye on your son’s injuries and will take good care of him!”
Zhang Zhaixiang replied faintly, “Thank you.”
The Minister of Justice understood Zhang Zhaixiang’s dissatisfaction with how the court had punished Zhang Fang. However, he also knew that Zhang Zhaixiang was a broad-minded person who could distinguish right from wrong and would not hold grudges over such matters.
“This minister will see His Majesty tomorrow; the court is not a place where the harem can meddle.”
Zhang Zhaixiang was informing the Minister of Justice that if the Empress issued another decree, the court could defy it.
Zhang Fang had, while drunk, pushed Dou Changkang into the water, which led to Dou’s death. The Empress and Dou Guojiu were furious and issued a decree to punish Zhang Fang; while it was understandable, it should not become a precedent.
Understanding this, the Minister of Justice immediately stated, “I understand completely!”
Walking out of the Ministry of Justice with a straight back, Zhang Zhaixiang calmly got into the carriage. Once seated, his previously straight posture slumped as he hunched over and covered his face with his hands.
In Chapter 4, The Prodigal Son of the Prime Minister’s Family,
Zhang Zhaixiang directly handed the letter he received to the Emperor and shared his suspicions.
“Your Majesty, although my son is unruly, he would never harm anyone’s life. I suspect this matter is a scheme by Prince Qi to use my son to force me into betraying Your Majesty.”
The Emperor contemplated deeply, recalling that Zhang Zhaixiang had said in the past that Prince Qi was not an ordinary person. However, because Prince Qi had issues with his legs, the Emperor had never taken him seriously. A lame man daring to aspire to the throne was laughable! Yet, it turned out that Prince Qi indeed harbored such ambitions!
“This old seven, I really misjudged him!” The Emperor crumpled the paper in his hand, his expression filled with anger.
Zhang Zhaixiang remained calm, quietly watching the Emperor.
After a while, the Emperor gazed deeply at Zhang Zhaixiang, rose, and approached him. He grasped Zhang Zhaixiang’s hand and said in a low voice, “Even if this matter is instigated by Prince Qi, we still have concrete evidence now. If we rigorously investigate those people at this moment, it will certainly alert the snake in the grass.”
Zhang Zhaixiang was well aware of this principle, so he did not expect the Emperor to conduct an immediate investigation. As long as the Emperor kept an eye on Prince Qi and secretly investigated, one day they would surely gather evidence of Prince Qi’s treason that would prove his son was framed. At that time, he could bring his son back to the capital!
Bending slightly, Zhang Zhaixiang solemnly said, “Your Majesty, I have decided to send my son into exile. Thank you for your mercy!”
The Emperor looked at Zhang Zhaixiang in amazement; his long-time subordinate actually had the heart to send his only child into exile. To console Zhang Zhaixiang, the Emperor said, “Rest assured, as long as we gather evidence of Prince Qi’s treason and capture his conspirators, I will clear Zhang Fang of his charges and bring him back to the capital! It won’t take too long!”
“Thank you, Your Majesty!” Zhang Zhaixiang expressed heartfelt gratitude.
Upon seeing Zhang Zhaixiang return, the steward eagerly asked, “Sir, how is my young master?”
Zhang Zhaixiang said nothing and silently walked to the kitchen to prepare the ingredients and start kneading the dough.
The steward opened his mouth, but the words he wanted to say turned into a sigh.
Having not had a proper rest for several days, Zhang Zhaixiang was in good spirits at this moment. After cooking the noodles, he took the carriage to the Ministry of Justice.
Zhang Fang had not finished digesting his last meal when Zhang Zhaixiang arrived with longevity noodles.
As he eagerly devoured the longevity noodles, happiness shone on Zhang Fang’s face.
“Tomorrow, will Father make you longevity noodles again?” Seeing his son enjoy his cooking so much, Zhang Zhaixiang tentatively asked.
As a parent, if a child loves a certain dish, one cannot help but keep making it to make the child happy.
Zhang Fang felt the deep fatherly love and smiled, nodding, “Yes!”
Zhang Zhaixiang also smiled but his eyes still showed hints of hidden worry.
The Minister of Justice had already received the Emperor’s intentions regarding Zhang Fang’s exile. Therefore, during this period, he had to ensure that this son of the Zhang family received extra care while in the cell. Having caused the death of the Empress’s nephew yet avoiding the death penalty showed the favor Zhang Zhaixiang enjoyed in front of the Emperor.
That night, Zhang Zhaixiang seriously instructed the steward to prepare the necessary items for their journey.
Upon learning that Zhang Fang was to be exiled, the steward still found it hard to accept. Exile meant being sent far away to do hard labor; just the journey alone was enough to make one feel hopeless!
“Sir, is there really no other way to save my young master?” The steward gazed at Zhang Zhaixiang with tear-filled eyes.
Zhang Zhaixiang replied in a deep voice, “This is Fang’er’s own choice. He understands the situation.”
Subscribe
Login
0 Comments