Chapter Nine: Favoring Some While Disfavoring Others

The room was filled with an atmosphere of joy, and everyone was very happy, including Zhang Yue. Regardless of the past, he was now a member of the Zhang family, and the glory of the Zhang family was naturally his glory. However, when he inadvertently glanced at his mother, Sun, he noticed that beneath her cheerful face, there seemed to be a hint of sadness.

Why is it another prince? ... Wait, this Han Wang seems to be different from the Zhou Wang

Beside the door curtain, Zhang Yue heard the sounds inside gradually cease, so he tiptoed back a few steps, feeling quite moved by his father's heartfelt efforts. However, as he was retreating, he suddenly felt himself bump into something soft. Just as he was puzzled, a low "ouch" sound came from behind him. Realizing he had startled his parents, he hurriedly turned around and saw Qiu Hen standing there with a strange expression, holding her leg. He quickly exchanged a few urgent glances with her and then swiftly climbed onto the bed, pulling the blanket over himself.

Neither the Dong family nor the Sun family anticipated that the elder would personally serve tea, and they hurriedly expressed their gratitude, all displaying humility. At this moment, Zhang Xin sat down on the left side of Gu, smiling as he said: "This time, for my mother's sixtieth birthday, there happen to be fewer matters in the court, so I requested permission from the Emperor to return early. Not only that, but the Duke of England and the *Tu* Book also specially petitioned the Emperor for a favor, bestowing my mother the title of Second-Rank Matriarch. I expect that before her birthday, the decree and the seal will arrive."

After bringing the first piece of good news, as if to say that he would not rest until he had astonished everyone, Zhang Xin cheerfully remarked: "For my mother's birthday this time, the British official cannot leave Nanjing due to official duties, so the only ones here to offer their congratulations are probably my two cousins. In addition, the Han Wang knows that my mother is a devout Buddhist, and he specifically asked me to bring a white jade Guanyin statue to wish my mother longevity that rivals the mountains."

As Gu's face turned increasingly angry and Zhang Chao seemed unable to escape a beating from his family, a savior suddenly descended from the heavens. Zhang Yue turned to look at the sound and saw a middle-aged man, around forty years old, lifting the door curtain as he entered. The man was dressed in a bright red robe adorned with a pattern of gold and jade, and wore a pair of black silk shoes, looking exceptionally spirited. At first glance, Zhang Yue felt the man's sharp gaze sweep across his face before quickly shifting to others.

Although the Second-Rank Lady and the Third-Rank Noble Lady differ by only one rank, this distinction is not something that everyone can easily surpass

At that moment, he heard his mother's soft voice whispering in his ear: "That is your uncle."

Uncle? Is it that uncle of his, Zhang Xin, who served as the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Works? When did he return?

Zhang Yue strained his mind, finally recalling who this Han Wang was, and the joy he had just felt instantly turned into a cold sweat. He vaguely remembered that this was a person who had made remarkable achievements on the battlefield against enemies but had suffered a crushing defeat in the struggle for succession. Suddenly, he recalled a certain popular historical novel that depicted the earth-shattering and soul-stirring contest for the dragon throne—matters like these within the royal family could lead to dire consequences if one chose the wrong side

After some casual conversation between mother and son, Lingxi brought tea with several other maidservants. Zhang Xin stood up and first offered a cup of tea to his mother, then personally served tea to both Madame Dongfang and Madame Sun, saying: "During the years I have not been by my mother's side, I am grateful to both of you sisters-in-law for your daily service. I express my thanks here."

Seeing his wife blush, Zhang Zhuo could only hold her hand and softly comfort her: "The biological mother of the second brother was the second wife that the old lady brought in by her own decision. While she was alive, she was very good at flattering the old lady and was originally held in high regard. Therefore, it is not surprising that the eldest brother and the second brother have been closer since childhood, and his favoritism towards Chao Ge Er is also not unusual, was it not the case before?"

At this moment, he finally recalled that the Zhang family, from the Gu clan downwards, had all received titles and grants, while his father, due to the influence of his cousins and elder brother, had only become a shadow scholar and had not officially taken up an official position, though he was slightly better off than an ordinary commoner. Naturally, his mother could not have received any titles either. With this thought, he further understood why his father, Zhang Zhuo, had such strong expectations for him.

They are still children; their preference for martial pursuits over literary ones is not significant for our Zhang family. Therefore, Mother should not be too harsh on them.

Gu's anger was merely a momentary impulse. When her long-lost legitimate son came forward to plead for leniency, her expression softened significantly. After scolding Zhang Chao and Zhang Qi a few times, she finally ordered the two of them to get up. She also complained about the Dongfang family for a while, and thus a considerable uproar was put to rest.

As soon as these words were spoken, a wave of joyful exclamations filled the room. The Dongfang family, known for their quick wit, hurriedly bowed to offer their congratulations, bringing along their two sons. The Sun family was only slightly delayed this time; as she stepped forward to bow, Zhang Yue also knelt down with a cheerful smile, enthusiastically uttering auspicious phrases about longevity and prosperity. After the initial astonishment, the Gu family could hardly contain their laughter, repeatedly praising the imperial grace, while also remembering to mention the British nephew who had rendered such a great favor.

Sun sat there in silence without responding. It was not until her husband came over, sat down beside her, and asked her about the situation that she finally spoke about Zhang Xin giving gifts to the three children today. Her tone was somewhat indignant: "The two short swords given to Chao and Qi are inlaid with gold and jade, and they say they can cut through iron like mud; they are clearly valuable items. But what did he give to Yue? A copy of the 'Analects with Commentary' and a copy of the 'Zuo Commentary on the Spring and Autumn Annals.' How much are those worth combined? This is really too biased!"

Zhang Yue was still in shock, while Zhang Xin stepped forward and deeply bowed to his mother. After rising, he smiled and said: "I have been thinking of my mother, so I hurriedly left the large group. Coincidentally, I encountered Chao and Qi who were hunting. Their archery skills are quite impressive for their young age, which clearly shows that my second brother and sister-in-law have put in considerable effort. I brought them back; if my mother were to blame them, wouldn't that reflect poorly on me?" Their archery skills are quite impressive for their young age, which clearly shows that my second brother and sister-in-law have put in considerable effort. I brought them back; if my mother were to blame them, wouldn't that reflect poorly on me?

The old lady has been paying more attention to Yue'er for just over a month, so how would the elder brother know? Even if he did know, the elder brother's son, Jiao Ge'er, will be returning in a couple of days. Not to mention Yue'er, by that time, even Chao Ge'er and Qi Ge'er might not receive the old lady's attention. Although he is the youngest, he is the legitimate first grandson of the main branch, and no one can compete with that. Do not think that I am wholeheartedly preparing birthday gifts; in fact, I am merely seeking to gain a little face for the third branch. Although he is the youngest, he is the legitimate first grandson of the main branch, and no one can compete with that. Do not think that I am wholeheartedly preparing birthday gifts; in fact, I am merely seeking to gain a little face for the third branch. As long as I can get the old lady to remember that Yue'er is her grandson, I will be completely satisfied.

Although he felt a slight sense of relief, this matter lodged in Zhang Yue's heart like a fishbone, instilling in him a deep sense of vigilance. Thus, after that uncle presented the meeting gifts one by one, he did not even notice that he had received only two books, while his brothers Zhang Chao and Zhang Qi each received a short sword said to be crafted by a master artisan, with their respective values differing by a vast margin.

I originally thought that there were many benefits in a large family, but I did not expect that the pressure would also be so heavy

However, now Yue'er is also ... ... in front of the old lady

On this day, as the moon rose above the treetops, Zhang Zhuo finally stepped into his family's western courtyard. Upon learning that his elder brother Zhang Xin had returned early, his expression shifted slightly, and he immediately offered a wry smile to Sun: "I happened to have matters to attend to today, which is why I returned late. The old lady will probably think I am being disrespectful again. I will go to the main house with you shortly, so that the old lady and my brother do not think I am lacking in respect."

However, upon further reflection, he felt that something was amiss. The Zhang family of England could almost be regarded as the foremost noble family of the Ming Dynasty because that family had three generations of ancestors posthumously honored as kings, and the subsequent title of Duke was also hereditary. This Zhang Yu, along with Zhang Fu, represents only two generations, which is sufficient to prove that the Zhang family enjoyed great prestige for a long time thereafter, seemingly unscathed in the struggle for the throne