Chapter 45: Zhu Yuanzhang's Trap

Zhang Yi glanced at Huang He and Uncle Zhu before him. To his surprise, they already knew about his dealings with the Chang household, which clearly meant their connections with the Chang family were far deeper than he’d imagined.

“What does Uncle know?” Zhang Yi, ever the sly little fox, still tried to feign ignorance. Old Zhu’s face was expressionless as he put down his tea, and with the tea water, wrote the character “well” on the table.

Seeing the little fox gasp, Zhu Yuanzhang was inexplicably pleased. This brat, at least you’re startled for once! The corners of Zhu Yuanzhang’s mouth curled into a smile he couldn’t suppress, happy as a child in his forties. Quickly realizing his lapse, he straightened his face again.

Zhang Yi sighed inwardly—how could the Chang household be so leaky, unable to keep anything secret?

“Chang Mao, the eldest son of the Chang family, privately murdered a servant, but someone reported it to the palace. I doubt that rascal will escape punishment this time! Lady Chang failed to discipline her son; although the emperor won’t scold her, she’ll probably suffer for a long while. But there’s a little immortal whose reputation is spreading in certain circles of the capital—a young celestial master… Tsk, tsk, tsk!”

“I heard your father say that apart from mischief, you never did anything serious on Dragon Tiger Mountain. You can’t even recite the Five Thousand Words of Morality properly. How did you learn Daoist arts? Did your ancestor pass them on to you in a dream?”

Zhang Yi gave an embarrassed smile, “Did my father tell you even that?”

“Of course, your father and I are close friends!” Old Zhu lied with a solemn face. “He entrusted you to me, so I’m your elder, treating you as my own nephew!”

“Tell your uncle, how did you discover Chang Mao’s secret?”

Zhang Yi really wanted to blame it all on Zhang Daoling, but seeing Huang He’s expression, he guessed they wouldn’t believe him. He certainly couldn’t say that his deductions were based on his knowledge of Chang Mao’s character.

The historical records described Chang Mao as “arrogant, childish, and ignorant,” and then there was the later incident where Ming accepted Na Hachu’s surrender. Although Na Hachu had already surrendered to Lan Yu, Chang Mao heard a few words from his subordinates and immediately drew his blade, almost ruining Ming’s strategic plans. This event also became the catalyst for Chang Mao falling out with his father-in-law, Feng Sheng.

With such a reckless person, when Zhang Yi heard the Chang clan say he endured patiently and even let the servant escape, he didn’t believe a single punctuation mark. Because of that suspicion, he found a pretext to linger in the Chang residence.

“Heh, because I know what kind of person Chang Mao is. When he said the servant ran away, I didn’t believe it!”

“Later, Sister Chang took me around the residence. The lock on that small courtyard was new, and though there were weeds inside, there were marks where the grass had been pressed down… At the end of those traces was the well sealed with fresh earth…

So, wasn’t it easy to guess?”

Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao glanced at each other. Zhang Yi spoke lightly, but was it really as simple as he made it sound?

To develop suspicion from a stranger’s casual remark required a sharp intuition, and to then firmly act on those suspicions required remarkable resolve. New locks, grass marks, a sealed well—these clues would be unremarkable in the hands of an experienced constable, but Zhang Yi was just a seven-year-old boy! Even if his immortal ancestor taught him many things, knowledge and experience are not the same. Not to mention, Zhang Yi successfully exploited the matter to outwit Chang Mao and safely exit the Chang household.

This child’s worth was not merely about his affinity with immortals!

Although Zhu Yuanzhang was astonished, he remained outwardly composed, merely saying,

“General Chang was wise all his life, but the family upbringing fell short. Perhaps you’re right—there may never be another hero from that household. But let’s not dwell on it. Just don’t mention knowing me in front of the Chang family… By the way, Zhang Yi, I came back today especially to tell you some good news!”

“What good news?” Zhang Yi looked puzzled. Zhu Yuanzhang drew a box from his sleeve.

“This is the cowpox vaccine you wanted!”

“Mu’er and I have already used it and confirmed its effectiveness. This one is just right for you…”

Zhang Yi was overjoyed. He had been waiting for the smallpox vaccine for so long, and now it was finally completed by Uncle Huang.

Back on Dragon Tiger Mountain, Zhang Yi had tried to persuade Zhang Zhengchang to produce the vaccine, even bringing up Ge Hong and Song Dynasty’s Wang Dan as precedents, but it was useless…

Dragon Tiger Mountain did not accept Ge Hong’s theories, and Zhang Zhengchang did not believe in vaccines. It was only after that experience that Zhang Yi realized how terrifying “prejudice” could be. As a direct descendant, he even invoked the founder of the Lingbao sect, which earned him a chase across the mountain from Zhang Zhengchang.

Having the recipe wasn’t enough; someone had to be able to make it.

Zhang Yi gripped the small box tightly, then opened it. Inside were not just one vaccine, but ten—Huang He had given him a full set.

“Father, mother, elder brother, younger brother…”

Zhang Yi murmured to himself, and Old Zhu asked,

“What are you counting?”

“Just seeing how many family members haven’t had smallpox yet…”

Zhang Yi’s casual reply drew a shared smile from Zhu Yuanzhang and his son.

“You little rascal, when you wanted to leave Dragon Tiger Mountain, you acted so miserable, but now you’re still thinking of your family…”

Old Zhu mocked, but his gaze softened. Remembering family was a virtue he esteemed most highly.

“How could it be the same?” Zhang Yi retorted, unwilling to be outdone. The emperor ignored him, but as he recalled something, his expression grew complicated.

Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly said,

“Zhang Yi, there’s no need for so much trouble. If Dragon Tiger Mountain wants more vaccines, I can send as many as needed. Actually, I came today to discuss something with you!”

Was Old Zhu being generous for once? Zhu Biao drew a sharp breath.

Zhang Yi looked up; he knew Zhu Yuanzhang had something important to say and waited quietly.

“You know your father has always been obsessed with regaining the title of Celestial Master. He dreams of reclaiming that position!”

Zhang Yi nodded; he knew this well.

“But to reclaim the title, he must please the emperor, preferably with a great achievement. Now, this method of vaccination is Dragon Tiger Mountain’s opportunity…”

Hearing this, Zhang Yi furrowed his brow, but kept silent, waiting for Uncle Huang to continue.

Old Zhu said, “The vaccination method can cure smallpox. If your father and I work together, we’ll handle the manufacturing, and Dragon Tiger Mountain will be responsible for distributing the medicine. Presenting this immortal medicine to His Majesty will win imperial favor.

If this medicine spreads, it will benefit all the people. With this immortal medicine, Dragon Tiger Mountain gains a new source of income… This way, the loss from the emperor reclaiming the right to issue ordination certificates can be offset!

What do you think?”

Old Zhu painted an alluring future for Zhang Yi, but Zhu Biao listening at the side felt a chill run down his spine.

The emperor spoke with utter seriousness, but the prospects he described were too tempting.

It was obvious that Father had set a trap for Zhang Yi. What was he planning?

Zhu Biao dared not ask, only watched Zhang Yi with a complex expression.