Chapter Seven, Looking Up at the Spring Terrace (I)

At the end of this month, Zhang Luo will return from Zhejiang

Yang Wan merely mumbled this sentence, but unexpectedly, Yin Er heard it clearly and became anxious all of a sudden

Yang Wan pressed her temple and said, "You all listen to the adults; you just want to lock me up here to die, don't you"

Yang Lun let out a deep sigh, walked to the side, and, suppressing his emotions, said: "The matriarch of the Zhang family passed away early this morning"

Chen regarded her as her own daughter, and her heart in protecting her was genuine. Although Yang Lun was strong-willed and stubborn, he was also someone who would defend his own. Even Yang Lun's wife, Xiao Wen, was the same; she spoke and acted sincerely from the perspective of the Yang family. Yang Wan felt that she indeed should not have caused this blunder, which had put the entire Yang family in a difficult position.

She suddenly thought of Yang Xuan

However, during the Ming Dynasty, was it possible for women to find a place where the Zhang family would not dare to touch them, where they would not have to be bound by marriage, and where they could seek a means of survival

Do you still dare to eat anything

Yang Lun looked at Yang Wan and said, "The news of the death was reported to the court at the hour of Chen. Now, even I do not know what to do to ensure your safety"

Yin Er was unwilling to move, repeatedly saying that she did not dare

Who told you to get up. Kneel down

Zheng Yuejia smiled and said, "This is the only point. Regardless of the circumstances, he cannot transcend his identity. Once he has entered the Imperial Ceremonial Office, he becomes a servant of the inner court. If Lord Xu thinks this way, then he is guilty."

Yang Wan looked at Yin Er's mature demeanor and exclaimed, "How old are you to be saying such things"

Yang Lun's eyes were red, and he did not hear what Xiao Wen said at all

At the outset, the Ministry of Works had already informed him that although he was assigned to oversee the construction of the three grand halls, everything had to be under the authority of Deng Ying. Xu Qi was quite displeased with this arrangement. He had originally offended the faction of Deng Yi, which led to his being sidelined to the provinces. Now, having been rehabilitated and returned to the capital, he found himself working under Deng Ying. If Deng Ying were of the same court as him, it might have been acceptable, but now he was reduced to a subordinate, which left him feeling deeply aggrieved.

The only concern for the Zhang family now is the inner court

"No, miss, you might as well kneel. The lady has said that our superior will be asking you as soon as they return from the department today. You need to reflect carefully on your mistakes; otherwise, if the superior truly resorts to disciplinary measures, even the lady will not be able to stop it"

Zheng Yuejia brushed aside the drooping branches that had already revealed the spring buds by the roadside, "In fact, it is not necessary to meet Deng Ying right now."

Yin'er had not finished speaking, and seeing her silent, her voice grew even louder

Seven years ago, Zhang Chunzhan had just completed its construction when it was struck by lightning, resulting in a fire that reduced it to ruins. The court, unable to bear the financial burden, forcibly left it abandoned for five years. This year marks the fiftieth birthday of the emperor, who has decided to receive the tribute of officials in the Hall of Supreme Harmony on the day of the Wan Shou Festival, thus ordering the Ministry of Works to expedite its reconstruction. Deng Ying took over the responsibility for the reconstruction at the beginning of last year and has been striving to prevent the spread of fire through construction methods. During his recovery, Xu Qi and a group of craftsmen dared not proceed with the original blueprints.

Yang Wan raised her head and said, "How can I find a way if I don't eat anything"

Yin'er anxiously said: "What does this have to do with age? Miss, ever since you returned, you seem like a completely different person. You used to be particularly considerate towards Madam and the old lady. Whenever the sisters at home were unwell, you were deeply concerned and took great care of them. We often said in private that in the residence, no matter what was done, you were always the one who thought the most about others. However, this time you returned, and even I feel like I hardly recognize you anymore"

Zhang Luo was in charge of the Jinyiwei's prisons, and his historical reputation is viewed in two extremes. Some scholars who study him believe that he was an upright and incorruptible minister who effectively curbed the eunuch disasters of the Eastern Depot during the Jinghe years, essentially being the nemesis of Deng Ying. Conversely, others argue that he was excessively ruthless, leading to rampant abuses in the prisons during the Jinghe years. Yang Wan, while researching Deng Ying, also reviewed numerous historical materials on Zhang Luo, and her perspective leans more towards the latter.

Xiao Wen hurriedly followed from behind and grabbed Yang Lun, saying, "I made her kneel for a whole day, let's just let it go this time."

Xu Qi is the newly appointed supervising official, who has been promoted from the local level by the Ministry of Works

Is it not possible to live alone?

Meanwhile, the affair between Yang Wan and Deng Ying in Haizi was causing quite a stir in the capital. However, this matter was merely a rumor, and the Zhang family did not dare to file a complaint. If they were to privately break off the engagement, it would be disrespectful to the matchmaker, Lady Ning. The matriarch of the Zhang family had long been gravely ill, and her condition was worsening. People in the capital were spreading rumors that the matriarch's illness was due to the troubles concerning her grandchildren

Yin'er did not dare to think this way

Xu Qi hurriedly replied: "I dare not."

What methods can one employ to extricate oneself from the social connections of the third daughter of the Yang family, without causing a deep enmity between the Zhang and Yang families?

After more than ten days, Deng Ying was already able to walk on the ground

Zhang Luo's father, the Chief Minister Zhang Jingshen, also took three days of sick leave as a result

Yang Wan fell silent, gently pinching her wrist, and took a moment to calm herself as she tried to sort out her situation

Yang Wan did not expect to be criticized daily in modern times, and to find herself being scolded again in the Ming Dynasty hundreds of years ago. It is somewhat ironic, yet quite sharp in its wit. She found herself nodding unconsciously, resignedly kneeling down to sit.

Miss, you this ... ...

His voice was not loud, yet a hidden fire surged within his lungs

Yang Wan was just about to stand up by herself when, unexpectedly, the door of the ancestral hall was suddenly opened from the outside. Yang Lun, still in his official robe, entered with snow and wind all over him.

especially the Hall of Supreme Harmony among the three grand halls

Xiao Wen took advantage of the sudden moment when Yang Lun was at a disadvantage, crouched down, and protected Yang Wan behind her, saying, "You promised me that no matter what happens outside today, when you return, you will not be angry and will speak nicely to Wan'er."

On the thirtieth day of the first month, the personnel dispatched by the Grand Council brought him to the straight room next to the Inner Court's Chengyun Warehouse. This location is adjacent to the moat of the inner city and serves as the residence for the Deputy Director of the Grand Council, the Director, and the attendants. As for He Yixian, the Chief Eunuch of the Grand Council, along with several scribes, they reside to the north of the main gate of the Yangxin Palace. The straight rooms in that area are built in a row, closely adjacent to the Longdao Pavilion, and further west is the kitchen. Due to the connection of the straight rooms to the cooking area, they have already been proposed for demolition by Deng Ying to make way for the "Auspicious Jar".

Upon hearing this, Zheng Yuejia understood what he meant

Therefore, Yin Er's statement is not incorrect. If the Yang family does not handle this matter properly, Yang Lun, the reformist, will undoubtedly face resistance in the officialdom that goes beyond just those traditional officials.

Zhang Luo personally came, which surprised Yang Wan greatly, causing her to momentarily lose her composure.

How dare you ask!

Xu Qi shook his head, "Isn't this a mockery from Lord Zheng? The implication is that I should assist from the sidelines. Seeing that the deadline is approaching, if I do not go to see him, should I wait for him to come see me instead"

Do you know that if the old lady of the Zhang family cannot survive this calamity, how much trouble our family will face outside? Moreover, even if you do not consider the elders of the family, you should think about yourself. You have been promised to the Zhang family since childhood. If the Zhang family truly withdraws from this marriage, what will you do in the future

But the more lively it is outside, the tighter the door of the Yang family is closed

Yang Wan pointed to her knee and asked, "May I get up and sit for a while?"

Yang Lun retorted to Xiao Wen, "I am an official of the court, discussing marriage and propriety. If we were to adhere strictly to the concept of 'propriety', how could these matters arise? As it stands, I am also caught up in this situation and unable to move. I hardly have the leisure to think about the affairs of the department. Moreover, this is not a matter of military supplies or national importance, yet it has led to enmity between the Yang and Zhang families to this extent. It is not that I fear for my career; rather, I am concerned that this Northern Pacification Commissioner, harboring personal grudges, might seize the opportunity to capture me. You, mother, and this reckless girl would be trampled into the mud for the rest of your lives."

What?

Even so, the girl's earlier words still hold some truth

Yang Wan struggled to move back and kneel again, "Old Lady Zhang..."

Yin'er, please go check if your brother has returned from the department.

Yang Lun gritted his teeth, "Zhang Luoren is right in the main hall, how can you expect me to speak to her properly"

Yang Wan knelt in the ancestral hall until her knees felt as if they might shatter. She thought about moving a bit, but Silver stood behind her like a guardian deity.

This statement overtly belittles, yet its underlying meaning is one of defense.

Zheng Yuejia stopped in her tracks, turned around while holding her hand, and said, "I would like to hear the details."

What ... ...

She tried to broaden her thinking

Yang Wan helplessly waved her hand at her, admitting defeat with a mix of laughter and tears

Suddenly feeling a bit dazed, although these words came from the mouth of a young girl during the twelfth year of the reign of Zhenning, reflecting a distinctly feudal mindset, upon closer reflection, there is hardly any essential difference between them and the remarks made by her modern friends in jest. The Ming dynasty fell, the Qing dynasty followed for several hundred years, and eventually, the Qing dynasty also came to an end. With the passage of time, the 'culture' continues to be inherited, and women still bear the shackles of fear regarding the state of the world.

Yang Lun confined Yang Wan in the ancestral hall, allowing only her maid, Yin Er, to guard her, and even forbidding Chen Shi from visiting her

In response, He Yixian said nothing, but several chief eunuchs from the Imperial Secretariat, citing "urgent matters before the emperor at night, fearing inadequate responses," engaged in considerable negotiations with the Ministry of Works. Currently, this project has been temporarily shelved due to Deng Ying's conviction, but these are minor issues. What unsettles the Imperial Secretariat is that along with this project, the increasingly troublesome construction of the three main halls has also been put on hold.

Alright, I have no face to ask

Please bring something to eat for me

I ... ...

Xu Qi turned to the side and coldly said, "There is no need for you to ask, regardless, I have misspoken; I should not have interfered in such matters in the court in the first place"

Kneel down

Xiao Wen turned to look at Yang Wan, her voice somewhat timid, "Why is he here"

Yang Wan couldn't help but roll her eyes, "Can you say a word to the old lady for me"

Yang Wan's elder sister, Ning Fei

The benefit of a god's-eye view lies in its ability to timely transcend the intricate and complex interpersonal relationships, directly grasping the essence of various social mechanisms of this era

... ...

Yang Wan retracted her head

Today, after the banquet, I did not see Lord Xu eat much at all

Xiao Wen hurriedly pulled Yang Wan back and said: "That old lady of the Zhang family has been bedridden since April, and by the end of the year, she probably wouldn't even recognize anyone due to her illness. This time she has passed away; it is a matter of fate, so how can we blame Wan'er for it"

Miss, do not think too much; today, Yin'er only dares to listen to the adults and the madam

The old lady has taken her medicine today and has already rested, Miss, please, I beg you, be a little more compliant this time... Ah, it is truly a difficult hurdle to overcome

At this time, the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs, where Deng Ying is located, is indeed a refuge.

Xiao Wen was taken aback

"I kneel."

Zheng Yuejia was walking along the moat with Xu Qi. Noticing his continued silence, she casually asked a question.

She thought about it, lowered her head to rub her knees, and simply loosened her legs, sitting cross-legged.

Over the past few days, she has gradually found a rhythm in her conversations with Yang Lun

What are you saying! If the old lady hears this, won't she cry for the young lady again

Xu Qi scoffed, "Surely, the crime is not limited to just this."

Silver...

Then how can I!

Yin Er squatted down and said, "It has come to this point, and even the madam and the others cannot think of a solution. What can you possibly come up with?"

Yang Wan slowly pinched her own wrist