Uncle from a poor family

Chapter 806 The Dragon Has Two Sons, Each Different

Emperor Zhu Youcheng was overjoyed and bestowed another batch of land upon the Zhang family.

With Zhang Luan not at home, the reward went to Zhang Heling, who was still in bed recovering from his injuries. In the end, it was Li Rong, who delivered the imperial decree, who personally went to visit him, essentially delivering the "good news" to his bedside.

Zhang Yanling looked puzzled: "Huh? I'm already in such a miserable state, do you really have to tell me all this?"

Li Rong smiled and said, "Grand Uncle, you represent the Zhang family, so of course you can. It's a pity we can't meet your father, otherwise it would be better to speak to him in person."

Can I represent the Zhang family?

Zhang Heling asked expectantly, "Does that mean I can do whatever I want with these fields?"

Li Rong's smile immediately turned awkward.

You're still dreaming of wonderful things?
But these assets will eventually be inherited by you, the eldest son. Why are you so eager to take over the land so you can start collecting rent sooner?

Oh no, you're not thinking of selling the land to get money to squander, are you?

Li Rong said, "Your family is truly a pillar of the court. In fact, the recent expenses of the imperial palace have all been supported by your family..."

"What do you mean?"

Zhang Heling stared wide-eyed, looking bewildered, and asked, "Didn't they say the imperial court was giving land to our family? Why do they say the Zhang family is supporting the palace's expenses?"

"So, was this land purchased by our family, or bestowed upon us by His Majesty?"

"Of course it's a blessing."

Li Rong explained, "However, it is an indisputable fact that your father and brother have done a lot of practical things for the court and brought in a lot of revenue for the palace."

Zhang Heling asked with a mournful face, "My father and brother are rich, so why don't I have a single penny? Every time I'm short of money, I have to go to my mother to ask for it, and I get scornful looks from her."

Listening to Zhang Heling's rambling, Li Rong suddenly realized that this guy was such a curious child... He was lying there unable to move, yet he had so many questions, as if the whole world owed him something.

"Well... I'm afraid you'll have to ask your father and your brother."

Li Rong's words were rather impolite.

Your family made money but didn't share it with you, and now you're asking me why?
Why are you so talkative?

Zhang Heling said unhappily, "Even if I tell them, they ignore me... Eunuch Li, could you help me go and find them? Just tell them that I'm also short of money! Or you could give me some of the family's land and houses first."

"This……"

Upon hearing this, Li Rong couldn't help but wonder if this kid was truly that stupid, or if he was deliberately testing him.

Is it too wise to be foolish?

Oh no!
The Zhang family are all eccentrics. Why should I bother figuring out what kind of people they are? If I really figured it out, then I'd become just like them, another oddball in the imperial court.

Li Rong felt increasingly uneasy and quickly got up to take his leave: "Grand Uncle, please take good care of your injuries. I'll be returning to the palace now! As for the land and houses, your family can send someone to take them over later. However, please note that your father must go in person, otherwise they may not accept them! I'll be going now! Farewell!"

"Don't leave."

Zhang Heling wanted to say something to persuade him to stay.

When people stay at home, bedridden all day, unable to hang out with their friends, they suddenly feel that life has lost its meaning.

He was finally approached by someone who wanted to talk to him, and it seemed to concern his future plans to make a fortune. He was eager to ask them some questions.

Who would have thought... Li Rong left after only a short time, it seems he didn't want to discuss cooperation with him.

As Li Rong walked towards the door, he said, "I have to hurry back to report. No need for the Grand Uncle to see me off... uh! You can't see me off even if you wanted to! Goodbye!"

……

……

Zhang Heling was still somewhat dazed when he accepted the land and house bestowed by the emperor on behalf of the Zhang family.

If I could personally go and take over the land, wouldn't having capital in my hands mean I could do something big in the future? With just this land, wouldn't I be able to make a name for myself?

Unfortunately, before he could come up with a good solution to either go to the fields himself or find someone to complete the registration process, Zhang Luan heard the news.

Zhang Luan disregarded his illness and went directly to the Shuntian Prefecture government office to take care of all the necessary matters before bringing home a thick stack of land deeds.

Upon returning to the Shouning Marquis's residence, Zhang Luan saw that his eldest son was already able to walk... though he had to use a cane, as if he were training hard, as if he had a huge goal in front of him, giving him the confidence to overcome all difficulties and obstacles.

"What's wrong with you, kid?"

Zhang Luan frowned and stepped forward to scold, "Stay in your room and recover properly. What are you doing out on the ground? It takes a hundred days to recover from a broken bone. You've only been out for a few days and you dare to come down. Aren't you afraid of becoming a cripple?"

Zhang Heling rallied his spirits and said, "Father, I have something to do."

"What's the matter?"

Zhang Luan threw a stack of land deeds on the table and shouted sternly, "Want to go out with ghosts again? Are you going to the brothel or a brothel?"
"Once you've recovered from your injuries, go back to the army to take up your duties as soon as possible!"
“Your younger brother is very remarkable now. He not only helps your brother-in-law make a lot of money, but he also improves military equipment, trains a new army, and advises His Majesty. The family also benefits from your brother's success... You two are both my sons, so you have to be successful in the future, okay?”

Zhang Heling looked at the things on the table clearly, his face filled with disappointment, and he said dejectedly, "Sigh, never mind, I'm fine now!"

Zhang Luan looked completely bewildered, glanced around, and asked, "Where's your mother? Why didn't she stop you from doing whatever you wanted?"

"My mother? She... how would I know?"

Zhang Heling looked aggrieved. "I haven't seen her for almost two days. Her medicine and food are brought to my room by servants, and I have to take them myself."

After speaking, he moved to the chair with his cane and sat down, still looking somewhat dejected.

Chang Shun, who was serving nearby, whispered about the situation at home: "Master, the old lady went to the palace early yesterday morning and has already stayed overnight! It's estimated that she won't be back for the next few days..."

"What? You can go to the palace to see your daughter and not come home all night?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Luan's face flushed red, and he stomped his foot angrily, looking furious. "She...she's just making a fool of herself!"

Chang Shun asked curiously, "Isn't it quite common for Her Majesty the Empress to let the Old Madam stay overnight in the palace? I've heard there are countless vacant palaces in the palace; she could just find one to rest in..."

"Shut up!"

Zhang Luan shouted sternly, "A married daughter is like water spilled from a bowl. No matter what my daughter's status or position is now, or how noble she is, a mother can't just go to her daughter's house all the time! What kind of behavior is this? How shameful it would be if word got out! Quickly, go and find her!"

"Hahaha……"

Zhang Heling couldn't help but burst into hearty laughter.

Zhang Luan glared fiercely at his eldest son and demanded, "What are you laughing at?"

Zhang Heling laughed and said, "Father, are you out of your mind? Mother went to the palace to see my sister... My sister is the Empress, and she lives in the inner palace. The inner palace is heavily guarded. Who do you think you can ask to call her? Do you think everyone is like you and Mother, able to enter the palace whenever they want? Why don't you ask the second son to go and make a trip?"

"Cough cough."

Upon hearing that his eldest son's words made sense, Zhang Luan's expression grew even more grim. After a moment of stunned silence, he stood up dejectedly and said, "Send these things into the inner quarters and have your aunt keep them."

Zhang Heling swallowed hard, pointed at the land deed, and asked timidly, "Father, can't I keep it for myself?"

"After I die, everything will be yours..." Zhang Luan walked straight out, saying, "I'm going to settle accounts with your sister... Why keep her mother in the palace? Is she trying to run away with her mother while I'm away? What will outsiders think of her father?"

Zhang Heling asked in confusion, "Father, you're never home, why do you care where Mother goes?"

"How can a woman compare to her father?"

Zhang Luan said angrily, "If you can't speak properly, then shut up!"

……

……

The inner gardens of the imperial palace.

Lady Kim had already spent the night in the palace; this was the first time she had ever stayed overnight there.

She would stay with her daughter at night, and her son-in-law, the emperor, wouldn't come to disturb her... This was also because Zhu Youcheng knew that Zhang Yu was nearing her due date, so he had his mother-in-law come to keep her company, making his wife feel more at ease.

However, Lady Jin also had her own palace in the palace, specifically located in Yongning Palace, east of Kunning Palace. It was nominally prepared by Zhang Yu as a filial son to his elderly mother, and several months ago, he had the palace maids tidy it up so that his birth mother could move in. And now it was indeed put to use.

After Kim arrived, she felt that everything was good.

She could be served at a moment's notice. Whether they were palace maids or eunuchs, they were all diligent and conscientious in everything they did, without a single complaint. Everyone both respected and feared her. Here, she could be a pampered VIP who didn't have to lift a finger and had everything done for her. It was much more comfortable and pleasant than being at home.

Unexpectedly, after only one night, she heard that her husband had entered the palace and was heading straight for Kunning Palace in a very aggressive manner.

"Madam, Her Majesty the Empress requests your presence."

A female official came to deliver a message.

Jin patiently went to Kunning Palace, but did not see her husband, which aroused her great curiosity.

Seeing his mother's alarmed expression, Zhang Yu comforted her, "Father came to the palace to pick you up from Kunning Palace, but His Majesty summoned you halfway there... Mother, don't worry, I'll leave you in the palace. Even if Father comes in person, he won't be able to call you away."

Jin said with delight, "Great! I didn't want to go back anyway. I'll stay in the palace with you for a while longer! Humph, let that old man worry about it!"

It's like he's holding a grudge.

Her husband usually ignored her, but when he heard she was staying overnight in the palace, he rushed over to pick her up? So he still cares about her after all.

Zhang Yu said, "Father's visit this time is probably also to discuss with His Majesty the matter of bestowing a title upon Yanling... It's been delayed for so long, it should have been done long ago!"

"Is Yanling a bit too young?"

Kim hesitated.

“But he does a lot of work. As for Heling… don’t count on him!” Zhang Yu said, his voice tinged with impatience as he mentioned his younger brother.

It's clear that Zhang Heling is disliked by everyone at home.

……

……

Qianqing Palace.

Zhu Youcheng was discussing with Zhang Luan the details of bestowing a title upon Zhang Yanling.

"The ministers in the court initially had strong objections to this, but after a series of discussions, they also felt that there were no major obstacles. The initial plan is to directly grant Yanling the title of Earl."

Zhu Youcheng said, "But I have discussed it with Yanling. In his opinion, perhaps we can wait until we win a great victory in the Northwest and make military achievements before granting him a title. That would be more legitimate... At that time, he might be directly granted the title of Marquis."

Zhang Luan said, "Huh? Is Yanling so obsessed with gaining military merit? Isn't that a bit unrealistic? If they win, that's fine, but what if they lose?"

Zhu Youcheng nodded and said, "I also think it's completely unnecessary, but Yanling said that this is the only way for me, as emperor, to be more respected and for the people in the court to be completely convinced. He also said that he plans to go to the Northwest with Wang Yue, and the specific time is estimated to be before the beginning of next spring..."

"What? Fighting in winter?"

Zhang Luan quickly said, "No, not at all... Your Majesty, you must not let him do this. The Zhang family cannot lose this pillar of the family."

Zhu Youcheng said, "If I could go myself, I definitely wouldn't look for him, but the problem is that I'm currently unable to get away."

Zhang Luan was somewhat surprised.

Like brother-in-law, like brother-in-law. Are these two cut from the same mold?

Why do you both want to demonstrate your strength through military achievements?

Now that he's already the emperor and the emperor's brother-in-law, can't we be a little more pragmatic?
Zhu Youcheng continued, "The Empress will be giving birth this autumn. It would be perfect to bestow a title upon Yanling at this time. There is a reason for it."

Zhang Luan frowned.

The emperor bestows a title upon his brother after his sister gives birth, and you still think that's reasonable?
After careful consideration, Zhang Luan asked, "Is it absolutely necessary for Yanling to go to the Northwest? If it's really not possible, I can go in his place."

“Father-in-law, I know you are thinking of Yanling wholeheartedly, and it is all for the good of the court.”

Zhu Youcheng looked pleased. “But the Northwest is indeed not suitable for you. Your health is not good. What if you fall ill halfway there? Just stay in the capital and wait for good news. As for your mother-in-law, let her stay in the palace for a few more days. With her there, Yu’er’s mood will be better.”

Zhang Luan thought to himself, "You've already reached an agreement with Yanling, you're just here to let me know."

They're not here to have a friendly talk with me.

Zhang Luan said, “Your Majesty, it is understandable that the Empress misses her mother and wants to see her often. However, if she stays in the palace for a long time, it will not sound good to her. In addition, the concubine comes from a poor family and does not know any rules. I am afraid that she may offend Your Majesty…”

Zhu Youcheng appeared quite composed, smiling as he said, "I lost my mother at a young age, so I understand very well how much Yu'er depends on her mother. My mother-in-law raised Yu'er with great difficulty, and we have a deep bond. Now that Yu'er is about to give birth, it's perfectly understandable that my mother-in-law stays in the palace to take care of her. I will definitely give my mother-in-law some generous rewards when she leaves the palace."

"Oh, by the way, father-in-law, have you received the land that was bestowed upon you by the palace before?"

Zhang Luan was speechless for a moment.

Judging from the Emperor's words, giving you land is to commend your daughter for giving birth to my child. I'm also asking your wife to come to the palace to keep me company for a few days. Do you, this old-fashioned patriarch, still want to stop me?
If you feel you've lost out, you can take some more when you leave.

Zhang Luan was furious. He wondered, who is filling in for whom?

In the end, my family supplied blood to the palace, costing millions of taels of silver a year, and you just gave me some land and that was it?
Do you still remember my kindness?
No way!
"only……"

Zhang Luan still wanted to argue about something.

Zhu Youcheng said, "Further discussion is pointless. Let's make a decision then. Two things: First, since Yanling wants to go to the Northwest, let him go and give it a try, as he said. If there is danger, he can stay away from the battlefield and just treat it as training. Heling doesn't need to go, so we don't have to worry about the Zhang family line dying out!"
"Secondly, my mother-in-law can enter the palace at will and stay overnight as she pleases. Yu'er was in a bad mood before giving birth, and I... sometimes couldn't handle it, so it's better to let my mother-in-law comfort her."

In fact, Zhu Youcheng had already put himself in a very humble position and begged his father-in-law.

Do you know how much a henpecked husband longs for help when his wife is emotionally unstable?
Your daughter can be quite domineering at times, and it's not like I, as the emperor, can control the situation.

Leaving your wife in the palace will not only show your daughter's filial piety, but also give me some relief. I'm begging you, is that alright?
As for your concern about your reputation...

Please, I am a knowledgeable and courteous emperor. I naturally understand what it means to avoid suspicion. I also know that it's not good for a wife's family to live with her husband's family these days. That's why I'm begging you.
What more could you ask for?
Do I have to kneel down?

I'm asking you if you can handle it!

(End of this chapter)