Chapter 7, The Predestined Benefactor (Part 2)

... ...

"Can we really blend in?" Zhang Shitou, somewhat skeptical, helped Young Master Zhang onto the horse, and then mounted the horse himself. After a moment, a convoy consisting of more than fifty water carts appeared before them. Young Master Zhang excitedly signaled to Zhang Shitou with his eyes, and silently followed at the end of the convoy, slowly making their way toward the fated city gate

The sound of creaking wheels finally echoed from afar. Young Master Zhang looked up intently and indeed saw a procession of torch-bearing horsemen approaching from a distance. The carts were filled with water buckets—there was no doubt that this was the historical convoy delivering spring water from Yuyuan Mountain to the imperial palace! In that moment, Young Master Zhang was so excited that his heart nearly leapt out of his chest. It took him considerable effort to rise from the ground, and he commanded, "Shitou, quickly help me onto the horse; we will follow the water convoy into the city."

"Forget about the part about taking the top scholar to the capital to enjoy a life of luxury," Zhang Shitou muttered to himself as he wrote the letter as instructed. Only then did Young Master Zhang pick up the ever-present spring palace fan, instructing Zhang Shitou to carry two bundles, and once again climbed over the wall to leave home. However, after exiting the house, Young Master Zhang did not head towards the dock; instead, he led Zhang Shitou straight to the market. Confused, Zhang Shitou asked, "Young Master, didn't you say we were taking a boat? Why aren't we going to the dock?"

You worthless thing, do you think you can achieve the top scholar status with your limited abilities? When you come back, I will find you an ugly and fierce wife to keep you in check! In a fit of anger, ... Old Master Zhang's words cut off all retreat for our Young Master Zhang.

Entering the city from Xizhimen? Zhang Shitou was even more confused and asked suspiciously, "Young Master, when we were inquiring about the situation in the capital on the road, it seemed we heard that Xizhimen is located in the northwest of the capital? We are coming from the southwest direction of the capital, so if we want to enter the city from Xizhimen, we would have to take a long detour."

What? Young master, are you going to the capital? And you plan to go without informing the master? What is your purpose for going to the capital?

Oh, I see. Zhang Shitou suddenly realized and praised, "Young master, you are truly clever," and then suggested, "Young master, instead of wasting time going to buy horses, let's just tether two at home."

Two flowers bloom, each representing a branch. Without mentioning how Zhang Laocai and Zhang Dashao's mother are anxiously scolding our Zhang Dashao for being unfilial and rebellious at home, let us focus on our Zhang Dashao, who, in order to avoid being captured and taken back home, has been traveling through wind and rain, hastily making his way, day and night, until he finally reached Hejian Prefecture, where he could take a brief rest. However, having been pampered since childhood, Zhang Dashao was exhausted from the bumpy journey and ended up lying down for two days to recover. During this time, Zhang Dashao also sent Zhang Shitou to inquire about the examination schedule, preparing to enter the capital on the last night of the examination, just as the story of rising three ranks suggests.

The developments of the situation were entirely under the control of Young Master Zhang. After returning home in the evening, Zhang Laocai, the wealthy father of Young Master Zhang, first went to check on his son's injuries and whether his condition had improved. To his surprise, he found the letter left by Zhang Shitou, which nearly caused him to faint from anxiety. He quickly dispatched someone to the dock to hire a boat and set off north along the Grand Canal to pursue his son. The outcome was, of course, predictable; the person sent out did not catch a glimpse of Young Master Zhang even after reaching Wuqiao in Dezhou. It was not until the third day that someone reported seeing Young Master Zhang and Zhang Shitou buying horses at the market. Only then did Zhang Laocai realize he had fallen for his precious son's trick. When he sent someone to pursue them along the official road, it was already too late.

... ...

Every word spoken by Young Master Zhang strikes at the heart of the matter. Zhang Shitou, who is in his early twenties and has yet to find a wife, cannot help but feel deeply moved. However, after careful consideration, Zhang Shitou still said with a mournful face: "Young Master, it is not that I am trying to stop you, but this matter is no joke. You have never left Linqing City since you were young. Suddenly sneaking away from home to go to the capital, how could the Master and the eleven ladies possibly rest easy? I fear that as soon as you step out of the city, the Master will send someone to bring you back home. Moreover, there is one more thing: that she-tiger, Xiong Hu, is truly too fierce. Even if we manage to find her once we enter the capital, I am afraid you will have no way to bring her home as your wife."

Where there is a master, there must be a servant. Young Master Zhang had not finished speaking when Zhang Shitou's saliva began to trickle from the corner of his mouth. Young Master Zhang seized the moment and urged, "Just think about it, how beautiful that maid Xiuer from Xiong Hu is! If you spend your whole life cooped up in this Lingqing City, is there any chance you could find such a beautiful wife? With such a great opportunity right in front of you, do you really want to miss it and end up spending the rest of your life with a plain-looking woman?"

"Entering the city at midnight? Is it really that urgent?" Zhang Shitou was even more confused, hesitant to fully trust the words of Young Master Zhang. However, Zhang Shitou's slender arms were ultimately no match for Young Master Zhang's strong legs, and he ended up accompanying Young Master Zhang on the night journey, gradually making their way towards the West Gate of the capital. By the time they arrived at the West Gate, it was nearly the third watch of the night, and the situation at the West Gate was the same as at the other city gates: the main gate was tightly shut, and soldiers patrolling the ramparts with torches were coming and going incessantly. Young Master Zhang was not anxious; he dismounted and found a patch of grass to sit down, nervously yet excitedly awaiting the arrival of the destined water caravan.

It was better not to inquire, but after Zhang Shitou reported the information he had gathered to Young Master Zhang, Young Master Zhang immediately realized that something was amiss. The imperial examinations of the Ming Dynasty were not conducted at midnight as depicted in comedic performances, nor did they require candidates to stay in the examination hall for consecutive tests as in the Qing Dynasty. Instead, they were held on the 9th, 12th, and 15th of the second month, respectively, allowing candidates to submit their papers early. After dark, three candles would be provided, serving both as lighting and a time limit; once the three candles had burned out, the papers had to be submitted and the candidates had to leave. This meant that if Young Master Zhang entered the city at midnight, even if he were to collide with Wei Zhongxian's horse and be sent into the examination hall by Wei Zhongxian's business card, the examination would already be over, and it would be too late for the examiners to assist Young Master Zhang in cheating.

As soon as he entered, Zhang Shitou raised a package and said, "Young Master, everything is ready. As you instructed, both you and I are only bringing a change of clothes and a little pocket money in silver coins." Young Master Zhang nodded and instructed Zhang Shitou to take out the dusty writing materials from the room, saying, "Shitou, quickly, leave a letter for my old man. Just tell him that the Young Master is going to the capital to take the imperial examination for the top scholar, and that he need not worry. Once I become the top scholar, I will either return home or take him to the capital to enjoy a good life. Also, inform my old man that I am taking a boat to the capital, so he should not come after me."

"What method?" Zhang Shitou quickly asked. Young Master Zhang smirked and said, "Don't be anxious, you'll know when the time comes. Stop the chatter, hurry home and pack your things, and set off quickly while it's still not dark."

"Get out of the way, get out of the way!" Zhang Dashao, who had been wandering around, did not know how long he had been walking on the street when suddenly there was a commotion ahead. People were shouting and horses were neighing as a group of exceptionally arrogant knights rode on tall horses, surrounding an even more extravagantly decorated palanquin carried by eight bearers, charging forward. The pedestrians on the road were frightened and hurriedly avoided it, causing the street to descend into chaos. Seeing this scene, Zhang Shitou quickly called out to Zhang Dashao: "Young Master, quickly get out of the way, it must be a high official arriving." Zhang Dashao did not want to cause trouble in this capital city where princes roamed and high officials were everywhere, so he prepared to dodge. ... But at that moment, a wasp, which had flown in from who knows where, landed right on the rear of Zhang Dashao's horse, and with a swish of the horse's tail, it stung him fiercely...

Of course. Young Master Zhang smirked and nodded, then said with a sly grin: "That day at the dock, don't think I didn't notice you secretly watching the beautiful maid Xiuer of Mother Xionghu. If you still want to meet her, then go home and obediently prepare your luggage. When the time comes, I will think of a way to bring Xionghu home as my wife, and that maid Xiuer will be yours."

"Indeed," Young Master Zhang nodded in acknowledgment. Zhang Shitou was even more dumbfounded, and after a long while, he let out a scream like that of a slaughtered pig, "Young Master, have you lost your mind? That Song Tiezui is clearly just using sweet talk to deceive you out of your money, and you actually believed him? To speak a word that might offend, Young Master, you don't even recognize your own name; how can you expect to top the examinations?"

After much effort, Zhang Shitou was persuaded to accompany him. At that moment, Young Master Zhang and Zhang Shitou, the master and servant duo, sprang into action. They first climbed over the wall to return home and then split up to carry out their tasks. Zhang Shitou sneaked into Young Master Zhang's room to pack clothes and luggage, while Young Master Zhang used his memory to locate the key to the silver vault that the previous Young Master Zhang had secretly made. He entered Zhang Laocai's study, opened the hidden vault used for storing valuable possessions, and rummaged through it to find a thick stack of silver notes and a large bag filled with gold leaves and gold ingots. He also packed a considerable amount of extremely valuable jewelry before stealthily returning to his room to meet up with Zhang Shitou.

After spending a night in the inn outside the city, filled with confusion, on the morning of the next day, which was February 15, Young Master Zhang and Zhang Shitou leisurely entered the city. The splendor of the capital city goes without saying; the streets were bustling with people, and it was a scene of constant jostling. Zhang Shitou was overwhelmed, continuously exclaiming in excitement, his rustic demeanor evident. However, our Young Master Zhang remained furrowed in worry, deaf to everything around him, oblivious to his surroundings. The only thought that repeatedly troubled his mind was a single question: "If the story of rising three ranks is false, and I cannot achieve fame, how can I connect with Wei Zhongxian? If I cannot save Xiong Tingbi, how can I prevent the Manchu Tartars from entering the pass?"

That being said, as they continued on their journey, Young Master Zhang, still unwilling to give up, slowed his pace, leisurely making his way to the capital while enjoying the scenic views along the way. He planned to arrive in the capital at midnight on February 25 of the fifth year of the Tianqi era, hoping to blend in with the royal water transport convoy and gain entry into the city—this was one of the key factors for Zhang Haogu to achieve second place in the imperial examination. Fortunately, Linqing is not too far from the capital, and the route was densely populated, with the world being relatively peaceful. Thus, our Young Master Zhang, carrying a substantial amount of gold, and his servants were fortunate enough not to encounter any highway robbers. They arrived at the outskirts of Beijing as scheduled on the evening of February 14.

Just like in the story of rising three ranks, after the water cart team arrived at the foot of Xizhimen, the guards immediately opened the city gates to let the cart team enter. Our young master Zhang and his servant anxiously followed behind the cart team, stealthily making their way towards the city gate. However, just as they reached the side of the gate, a thunderous voice suddenly echoed from the city wall, "What do those two horse-riding kids want? Get back! You are not allowed to enter the city at night. If you want to enter, come back tomorrow during the day!"

The young master Zhang's horse, in great pain, neighed loudly and galloped wildly, charging straight towards the sedan chair. The young master Zhang was unable to rein it in. Meanwhile, the group of knights coming from the opposite direction drew their swords and shouted, "Protect the Nine Thousand Years!"

A dozen gleaming gun barrels were pointed at his chest, and Young Master Zhang's loyal servant, Zhang Shitou, was nearly scared to the point of wetting his pants. Without a word, he pulled Young Master Zhang onto the horse and began to flee back. Our Young Master Zhang, however, stood there like a wooden chicken, allowing Zhang Shitou to lead him, with only one thought left in his mind: "Could it be that Liu Baorui (the author of 'Promoted Three Levels') is that old swindler who has deceived me? Is there really no such thing as Zhang Haogu being promoted three levels in the Ming Dynasty? Was the fortune teller's prediction just a coincidence?"

... ...

Zhang Shitou was skeptical, yet he truly felt that his slender arms could not compete with the strong thighs, so he gritted his teeth and decided to take a gamble. "Alright, since you, young master, insist on going, I will accompany you on this trip. However, if the master pursues this matter in the future, you must speak a few good words for me," he said. Young Master Zhang grinned and reassured him, "Don't worry, if the old man really catches us, I will take full responsibility; it won't concern you."

"It doesn't matter, let's just go around," Young Master Zhang said with a grin, "Haven't you heard? The spring water from Yuyuan Mountain that is consumed in the Ming Dynasty Palace is transported into the city from Xizhimen in the middle of the night. If we hurry over now, we might just be able to sneak into the city with the water cart convoy"

When the master and servant arrived in the capital, the sky had already darkened, and the nine gates of Beijing had long been closed. Originally, Zhang Shitou suggested that Young Master Zhang stay overnight at the inn outside the city and enter the city after dawn the next day. However, our Young Master Zhang firmly refused, saying, "No need, we will enter the city tonight." Upon hearing this, Zhang Shitou became very worried and said with a bitter smile, "Young Master, no matter how anxious you are, it won't help. The city gates of Beijing are already closed, and we cannot enter even if we want to."

"Oh dear, young master, I understand everything now. You are truly impressive, truly impressive," Zhang Shitou exclaimed while holding his head, feeling a sense of lamentation in his heart: "The young master's intelligence is truly misapplied; if it were directed towards studying, perhaps this time in the capital he could indeed achieve the status of a top scholar or something similar."

Do not let Young Master Zhang think too much; at the city gate, more than ten soldiers from the Ming Dynasty have rushed over, brandishing their guns to block Young Master Zhang and his servant Zhang Shitou, collectively shouting: "Go back, you are not allowed to enter the city tonight"

What is there to be afraid of? As long as we put in the effort, even an iron rod can be ground down to a needle. Once we see that tigress, Xiong Hu, again, we will definitely find a way to bring her and her maid back to Linqing. Young Master Zhang, who had plans but could not speak them out loud, casually chatted and then frowned, saying: "As for the old man, we must be on guard against him sending someone to catch us. Otherwise, when he returns and finds that I, the young master, am not at home, he will surely go looking for me everywhere." After pondering this, Young Master Zhang slapped his thigh and said joyfully: "That's right, I have a way to ensure the old man can't catch us."

Young Master Zhang certainly could not reveal the truth to Zhang Shitou. After a moment of contemplation, Young Master Zhang beckoned Zhang Shitou to come closer and whispered in his ear: "Fool, do you really think I am going to the capital just because of a few words from Song Tiezui? Don't you remember? That beautiful tigress, Xiong Hu, is going there! The capital!" Zhang Shitou was taken aback for a moment, quickly nodded in acknowledgment, and then asked: "Young Master, so you actually want to find that tigress?"

On the way home, Young Master Zhang quietly informed his loyal servant, Zhang Shitou, of his plan to go to the capital. There was no other choice; Young Master Zhang was new to the Ming Dynasty and unfamiliar with the surroundings. Without the clever Zhang Shitou by his side, Young Master Zhang would surely lose his way as soon as he left Linqing City. However, to his surprise, upon hearing Young Master Zhang's plan, Zhang Shitou first gasped in shock and then immediately advised against it, saying, "Young Master, you must not act recklessly. You have never traveled far in your life, and now you want to rush to the capital? The master will definitely not agree to this." At this point, Zhang Shitou suddenly recalled what had just happened and quickly added, "Young Master, you wouldn't actually be considering that charlatan Song Tiezui's nonsense about going to the capital to take the imperial examination, would you?"

"Hehe, don't be anxious," Young Master Zhang chuckled slyly and commanded, "Hurry up, let's go find Xizhimen in the capital and enter the city from there"

"Discovered? Impossible!" Young Master Zhang was taken aback, thinking to himself that in the story of rising three ranks, it was mentioned that Zhang Haogu followed the waterwheel team into the city without being noticed.

Is it strange? Could it be that the story of rising three ranks is fabricated? But what about what Song Tiezui said to me? Young Master Zhang was utterly perplexed by the contradictions between reality and the story, unable to discern the truth. After much contemplation, he could only grit his teeth and think: "Given that things have come to this point, I must go to the capital. If that story is false and cannot truly save Xiong Tingbi and the Ming Dynasty, then I will return to Linqing to enjoy my life. When the Manchu invaders come into the Central Plains, I can flee overseas to become a Chinese expatriate without delay."

"Fool! With so many tenants and servants in my family, how did my old man choose you to be my companion for study back then? Isn't this embarrassing for me, the young master?" Young Master Zhang's nose nearly crinkled in anger as he shouted, striking Zhang Shitou's head fiercely with the handle of his fan, "When the old man returns and finds that two horses are missing from the stable, won't he be able to guess that we took the land route to the capital?"

"Fool!" Young Master Zhang struck Zhang Shitou's head with the handle of his fan and said irritably, "I already told you to mention in the letter that we would be taking a boat to the capital. When the old man returns home and sees the letter, won't he send ten or eight boats to chase after me on the canal? Let's buy two horses and travel by land; that way, the old man won't be able to catch up with us."