Chapter 97: The Reward Zhang Yi Least Desired

When Zhang Zhengchang met the emperor, he was still covered in dust and sweat.

He had truly gone straight to the palace upon entering the city to request an audience with the emperor.

“Your Majesty, I am honored not to have failed your orders! I mobilized disciples from Dragon and Tiger Mountain to tirelessly produce the smallpox inoculation, vaccinating three thousand people in Yangzhou Prefecture without a single infection! Following your arrangement, I have not yet widely publicized the inoculation method, awaiting your further instructions!”

Since Zhang Yi revealed the plan to deploy a hundred thousand naval troops to Yangzhou, Old Zhu had slightly adjusted the strategy for promoting the inoculation technique.

The mission to Yangzhou Prefecture was meant to set an example for the entire realm.

Now, with the navy’s backing, the curiosity of the people across the land regarding the inoculation method had reached its peak.

For instance, in Nanjing City, where the navy’s influence was absent, the citizens still spontaneously recited the “Supreme Teachings on the Marvelous Method of the Microcosm,” illustrating the power of rumors.

Once public opinion is guided to a certain point, rumors grow at a pace even their originators would never have imagined.

“When the people all yearn and pray for the inoculation method, and the court then officially announces it, the goodwill gained far surpasses previous orders by hundreds of times!”

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered deeply, casting a long, thoughtful look at Zhang Zhengchang.

At that moment, he also understood why Zhang Yi had insisted on composing a scripture; for the illiterate common folk, tales of immortals serve as the best fuel for spreading rumors.

Yet, the talk of immortals and deities was a double-edged sword!

“Approved. Soon I shall proclaim to the world the spread of the inoculation method! Zhang Aiqing, rise!”

With the emperor’s permission, Zhang Zhengchang lifted his head and met the emperor’s gaze.

His eyes briefly passed over Zhu Biao but trembled ever so slightly.

The crown prince’s panda eyes were too glaring; Old Zhang couldn’t help but notice.

The Crown Prince had been beaten—by whom?

Best not to pry into the affairs of the imperial family, thought Old Zhang, quickly averting his gaze as if he had seen nothing.

Zhu Yuanzhang noticed his subtle movement and chuckled inwardly. Now was not the time to settle accounts with Zhang Zhengchang. He said:

“Zhang Aiqing, your merits on this journey are immense, benefiting both nation and people; I shall reward you accordingly!”

“I dare not claim credit; all is the emperor’s virtue!” Zhang replied humbly.

“Merit must be rewarded; you need not decline. However, I will announce the reward later. For now, step aside.

“Bring in Kong Ne, the son of the Kong family!”

Zhang Zhengchang stepped aside as a eunuch led in a young boy. The boy was simply dressed, unlike Kong Kejian and Kong Xixue whom Zhang had met before.

He knelt before the emperor and the crown prince, paying his respects.

“Kong Ne, you have seen your grandfather; is he well?” the emperor chatted casually.

Hearing the mention of his grandfather, Kong Ne’s pupils contracted imperceptibly.

“He remains as he was. I humbly request Your Majesty’s permission to take my grandfather out daily for walks in the fresh air; perhaps it will aid his condition.”

“You have rare filial piety. Approved!”

After the pleasantries, Zhu Yuanzhang asked:

“How is your study going? Let me test you…”

The emperor casually posed several questions to Kong Ne, who answered fluently.

“Not bad. In the previous dynasty, you might have already entered officialdom!”

The emperor’s words frightened Kong Ne into silence.

The Kong family had been highly esteemed in the previous dynasty, with nearly a hundred members serving as officials in the court.

When the Ming dynasty was founded, many officials from the previous regime were absorbed into the new government, but with one imperial edict, all Kong family members were sent back to Qufu to study.

“The three cardinal guides and five constant virtues left by our ancestors are profound; I’ve studied all my life without fully grasping them. I dare not come forth and mislead others,” Kong Ne, only ten years old, was intimidated by the emperor’s words.

Zhu Biao stood nearby, knowing it was his turn to speak.

“Father, the Kong family’s son has come to the capital to fulfill filial duties, but he must not neglect his studies. After all, he is the future Duke Yansheng. If filial piety delays his family scholarship, that is regrettable. I propose that while caring for his grandfather, he also attend the Imperial Academy.

“Master Xu of the Imperial Academy is also one of my tutors; his knowledge is sufficient to guide the future Duke Yansheng!”

The Imperial Academy was currently the highest educational institution in Ming—established on the former Ji Qing Road of Ying Tian Prefecture by the Kongzi Office.

In the previous dynasty, the Imperial Academy and Imperial College existed separately, with the Yuan dynasty’s Imperial College overseeing classical studies and decrees, while the Imperial Academy served as a school.

In Ming, the Imperial Academy combined aspects of both institutions.

Though many things were still being perfected after Ming’s founding, the Imperial Academy was undoubtedly the highest academy in the land.

Many scions of meritorious families temporarily studied there.

Assigning Kong Ne to the Imperial Academy did not disgrace his status.

Hearing this, Kong Ne was deeply grateful to Zhu Biao.

“Approved!”

Zhu Yuanzhang had already intended to be swayed by his son’s wishes; naturally, he would not disapprove.

He then turned to Zhang Zhengchang.

“Zhang Zhenren, I have met your eldest son—he is a scholar in the making. But what of your second son, who is here praying for me in the capital?”

The emperor spoke of Zhang Yi, causing Zhang Zhengchang to be momentarily stunned.

Did the emperor not know his character?

As for studying the classics, calling him unlearned was generous.

He couldn’t fathom the emperor’s intent and whispered:

“Your Majesty, my second son is truly uneducated and cannot be praised.”

“That won’t do. The Zhang family’s legacy must be inherited by your eldest son. The second son is alone in the capital and looks pitiful. If uneducated, he must learn; otherwise, he will be uncouth and ill-mannered.

“Very well. I see you have what you need. Since your second son has no placement, let him study at the Imperial Academy.

“If he excels, he will have a standing!”

At these words, all present were stunned.

You want a Daoist to study at the Imperial Academy?

Zhang Zhengchang was flustered; he couldn’t tell if the emperor was punishing or rewarding Zhang Yi.

Zhang Yi had long wished to renounce his Daoist status, which Zhang Zhengchang knew, but more than that, he did not want to become a scholar.

He had invited countless teachers at Dragon and Tiger Mountain, none of whom were not exasperated by him.

Zhang Zhengchang himself did not believe Zhang Yi could study properly.

He trusted that Zhu Yuanzhang was well aware of Zhang Yi’s situation.

“Is there a difficulty you wish to speak of? I do not insist he become a Daoist.

“But since he remains in the capital, it is improper for him to have no one to teach him manners.

“If he studies well and wishes to take officialdom, I can make an exception.

“If he wants to be a Daoist, I will not force him!”

The emperor’s words lifted Zhang Zhengchang’s spirits.

This might not be bad at all.

Among the four occupations, scholars held the dominant social status.

Even if the Zhang family prospered in business, their social standing was limited.

If a family member could enter the court and gain imperial favor, it could benefit the Zhang family.

Especially since Zhang Yi seemed to get along well with both the emperor and the crown prince.

Even if Zhang Yi failed to reclaim the Celestial Master title for Dragon and Tiger Mountain this generation, the Zhang family might still have opportunities through the crown prince’s connections.

With this thought, Zhang Zhengchang knelt in excitement.

“Thank Your Majesty for your great grace!”

Zhu Biao, watching Zhang Zhengchang’s enthusiasm, struggled to suppress a smile.

He was quite certain this was the emperor’s subtle retribution; Zhang Yi dreaded studying, and if he knew the emperor’s reward, he would probably weep.

Zhang Zhengchang had earned great merit and was to be rewarded, but the reward of a spot at the Imperial Academy revealed the emperor’s lingering displeasure.

Kong Ne, initially delighted at the prospect of studying at the Imperial Academy, was instantly disappointed upon hearing that even Daoists from Dragon and Tiger Mountain were admitted.

“Your Majesty, after this, may I travel to the northern lands to visit where our Han ancestors rest and pray for the Han heroes?” Zhang Zhengchang knew the matter was nearly complete and seized the moment to flatter Zhu Yuanzhang.

The northern expedition was also a political spectacle requiring Dragon and Tiger Mountain’s cooperation.

As expected, the emperor’s face brightened upon hearing this.

But to Kong Ne, the words sounded like a veiled insult to the Kong family, harsh and grating.

Zhu Yuanzhang noticed Kong Ne’s expression and waved him away.

Turning back to Zhang Zhengchang, the emperor said:

“Your request is approved! Zhang Aiqing, by the way, these two boxes of fast-acting heart-saving pills were made from your son's prescription. I had them researched and prepared.

“Take them with you. If you are still traveling in the north next year, be sure to visit Liuhechuan…”

Upon hearing the emperor’s instructions, Zhu Biao understood.

Despite all his words, the emperor remained distrustful of Chang Yuchun in the north and was making elaborate plans.

Zhang Zhengchang was deeply grateful for the emperor’s trust and vowed to complete the task well.

This journey to the northern lands was Zhang’s pilgrimage as a Daoist of Dragon and Tiger Mountain, retracing ancestral paths.

If he could return bearing the glory of having saved Chang Yuchun, might the emperor grant him what he most desired?

With this thought, Zhang Zhengchang was filled with renewed vigor.

“Very well, go forth!”

“Father, I shall accompany the Daoist and the Kong family boy on their way!” Zhu Biao, understanding the emperor’s intent, took responsibility.

He and Zhang Zhengchang left the palace, finding Kong Ne still waiting.

The crown prince spoke softly to encourage Kong Ne, who immediately showed deep gratitude.

“Wang Gonggong, see them off!”

Zhu Biao, pale panda eyes shining brightly, remained calm.

Neither Kong Ne nor Zhang Zhengchang dared to inquire about the crown prince’s eyes.

Wang Gonggong escorted the two out of the palace, where Zhang Zhengchang’s disciples and Zhang Yuchu were waiting.

“Take care, both of you! Master Zhang, your method has saved many lives—truly a great merit!”

The eunuch’s attitude toward Kong Ne was indifferent but kind to Zhang Zhengchang.

Old Zhang subtly tried to slip him some silver, but Wang Gonggong declined.

“Eunuch, what about the crown prince’s eyes?” Zhang Zhengchang, curious, quietly asked.

“We don’t know either. The crown prince returned from the palace yesterday like this…”

“What?”

Old Zhang suddenly collapsed, utterly drained.

“Master Zhang…”

“Teacher…”

“Father… are you alright?”

His sudden fall frightened those gathered at the palace gate.

“I am fine!” Zhang Zhengchang forced a smile, more pained than tears.

(End of chapter)