Uncle from a poor family

Chapter 822 Knees Grip Hard

Zhang Luan and Wang Yue entered the mansion together. Inside, Madam Jin was still arranging for people to tidy up the courtyard in the front yard.

Because the Marquis of Shouning's residence did not usually receive outside guests, Madam Jin had no scruples and could freely walk around the front and back yards. The men in the family were irresponsible, and she was in charge of all the tidying up of the yard.

Who would have thought that on the day her daughter gave birth, she wanted to find someone to cleanse the yard of bad luck, and then she saw her husband bring in an old man.

The husband was already a rare guest, but who knew he would bring an even rarer person with him?
"What are you doing out here, woman?"

Zhang Luan, with a stern face, scolded, "Can't you see I'm entertaining guests? Why are you out here? Your Excellency, this is my wife... Madam. This is Wang Shichang, the former Earl of Weining, now the Vice Minister of War."

"What? This is the Empress's mother and the Crown Prince's maternal grandmother? I pay my respects to Lady Zhang of Shouning!" Wang Yue was incredibly impolite and knelt down directly in front of Lady Jin.

The Kim family had never seen such a shameless big shot.

An old man, who was older than her and a high-ranking official in the court, knelt down and bowed to her, a woman.
What kind of number is this?
This left Ms. Jin completely bewildered. She stood there, looking very awkward, and looked to her husband for help.

Zhang Luan quickly said, "What is Your Highness doing? Please get up and let's talk... Madam, come and help me up..."

Upon hearing this, Jin frowned, as if to say, "Are you sure you want a woman like me to help him?"
"Get up quickly. I am unworthy of such an honor."

Jin ignored her husband's nonsensical instructions and stood still, saying...

With Zhang Luan's help, Wang Yue stood up again.

Wang Yue said, "Now that the Crown Prince has been safely born, the Shouning Marquis's Mansion will surely become a pillar of the Ming Dynasty. It is truly an honor for me to come and pay my respects before you do!"

"Please forgive me, Madam. I was too excited just now and couldn't help but bow. I am very ashamed if this has caused you any trouble."

Jin looked at Zhang Luan and asked, "Yu'er... has the Empress given birth?"

"Yes."

Zhang Luan's brows relaxed, and he smiled, saying, "It's a prince. That's why I came back to let you know. Tomorrow, our whole family will probably be summoned to the palace to see him!"
"We've tidied up the house, we expect a lot of people to come over in the next couple of days..."

Jin bowed happily and said, "I understand. I will go into the inner courtyard now so as not to disturb Master and his guests."

"Go."

Zhang Luan waved his hand impatiently.

……

……

After driving Jin away, Zhang Luan invited Wang Yue to the main hall.

After the guests and host sat down, Wang Yue immediately explained his intentions... probably because he was afraid that Zhang Luan would lose patience and ask him to leave if he stayed too long.

"As the autumn air became crisp and clear, the horses on the grasslands grew fat and strong. The Tatars continued to invade the borders, and it was said that there were signs of Tatars settling and grazing in the Hetao region."

Wang Yue said excitedly, "I believe that we should take advantage of the birth of the crown prince and the excitement of the court and the people to launch a full-scale attack and wipe out the grasslands! As long as I have one army, we can go straight into the heart of the grasslands and capture the Tatar Khan alive!"

Zhang Luan sat there, as if listening to a divine revelation.

I thought to myself, "Is this something I can hear?"

You may be a formidable figure, but the question is, if you were actually given a force, could you guarantee you could wipe out the entire grassland?

Furthermore, what does this have to do with me?
"Your Highness, I have long heard of your illustrious reputation in the northern frontier."

Zhang Luan cupped his hands and said, "However, the military strategy for the Northwest border defense has never been something I can control... In fact, your ambition to achieve great deeds is understood by both the court and the public, but..."

Wang Yue asked cautiously, "Master Zhang, do you mean you don't want to worry about this?"

Zhang Luan shook his head: "I have no right to speak to His Majesty."

“How could that be?” Wang Yue said, “You are so close to His Majesty. If you mention it to His Majesty, it will be more effective than ten or a hundred words from outsiders.”

Zhang Luan asked, "Didn't the Prince discuss this matter with my son Yanling?"

Wang Yue said, "Are you saying that the Emperor's brother-in-law's words carry more weight?"

"It's natural."

Zhang Luan nodded and said, "From the initial fundraising for military provisions to the reorganization of the army, to the selection of new officers and soldiers, and then to the subsequent training, Your Highness, have I ever made a public appearance? How could someone who has never made a public appearance have the opportunity to interfere in military affairs?"

Wang Yue said anxiously, "Is all my passion and enthusiasm truly useless?"

Zhang Luan said, "We have to wait for the right opportunity... I heard that the new army is well trained, but it only has a few thousand men in total. The new cannons and firearms are very powerful, but they still have to be made on the spot, right? Everyone knows that the prince is eager for war, but everything is based on ensuring a great victory."

"Master Zhang".

Wang Yue said, "Could you give me a definite answer, so that I can know when I can lead the army into battle?"

"Let's talk about it when Yanling comes back."

Zhang Luan said, "I understand that he will be back in the capital in the next few days. After he returns, he will definitely mention the expedition to His Majesty. I will find an opportunity to have him talk to you properly so that you can settle down as soon as possible."

Wang Yue said, "Winter is just around the corner, which means we can't wage war this year?"

Zhang Luan nodded and said, "The new army has only been trained for half a year, and it's too hasty to send them to the frontier. Winter supplies are still a problem this year."

"The problems with the army's food and supplies have only just begun to ease! In fact, during the Chenghua era, several major campaigns consumed enormous amounts of resources. Every battle must be prepared in advance... The army's supplies must come first before it moves, and this is not something to be taken lightly."

"Ugh!"

Wang Yue appeared very disappointed. "If I cannot go to war soon, I don't know if my old body will be able to live to see the day when I can make a name for myself again."

Zhang Luan said, "Your Highness is in good health and spirits, why worry about such trivial matters? Just arrange for your own sons and nephews to join the army, and you'll have a successor."

Hearing this, Wang Yue felt even more helpless.

You, Zhang Laizhan, have a fine son who will likely surpass you in achievements in the future, giving you endless hope for the future.

But what about me?
How can one expect to achieve anything with those good-for-nothing sons and even more immature grandsons?

Go dream!

"If I make no progress in this lifetime, I'm afraid the Wang family will just end up like this."

Wang Yue stated frankly.

Zhang Luan first shook his head, then nodded: "Sometimes, you can't be too disappointed in your children. Like my two wayward kids, I used to think they were too naughty, but then somehow, Yanling suddenly became more intelligent..."

"If you don't send your children to the military for training, how will you know that they weren't influenced by you before, or suppressed by you, making it difficult for them to realize their ambitions?"

"What does Master Zhang mean...?"

Wang Yue's eyes were filled with expectation.

Zhang Luan said, “Although you, Wang Shichang, are a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations), the Wang family can be considered a military family… Look at those dukes and marquises, haven’t they passed down their positions generation after generation? To put it bluntly, apart from their so-called loyalty, are they necessarily better than our family’s descendants? Even they were able to achieve great things in the Ming Dynasty, so why can’t our descendants do the same?”

Wang Yue exclaimed in amazement: "Zhang Gong's insight is truly brilliant! His words are indeed incisive."

Zhang Luan thought to himself, "Isn't it because your younger generation, like my eldest son Heling, has no ability to earn military merits and has to rely on us older generation to fight for them?"

Otherwise, how could they find recognition?
Zhang Luan said, “Military merits need to be accumulated, and so does combat experience. You don’t need to avoid it. Just transfer your own sons to the army. As long as we can pacify the grasslands in the future, His Majesty will definitely decide the merits based on the amount of effort put in. At that time, you may not have as much pressure as you do now.”

"Yes, yes, yes."

Wang Yue hurriedly said, "In the future, I will have to rely on the help of Master Zhang and your son."

“No problem.” Zhang Luan smiled. “Now you can go back to your residence with peace of mind? Anyway, it’s just a matter of a few days… Once Yanling comes back, many things will proceed much faster.”

"You should communicate with Yanling more often while he's in the army. He's a very quick-witted kid and always has novel ideas. I think... you two, one old and one young, complement each other perfectly, and you might even be a perfect match to achieve great things in the future and make a name for yourselves in history!"

……

……

Zhang Luan finally managed to get rid of Wang Yue.

He first talked to his family and then quickly went to another courtyard to catch up on sleep.

After all, the imperial decree had already been issued, and he was to bring his family to the palace the next day to offer their congratulations.

Zhang Luan finally put aside all his worries. He was still thinking to himself, "No wonder my son hasn't come back yet. It seems he calculated that he would have a nephew born. As the uncle, I don't need to be too anxious. I can just wait and enjoy the fruits of my labor."

The next morning, near noon.

The Zhang family, including Madam Jin and Madam Tang, as well as their youngest daughter Zhang Yi, had all made preparations. They had even found Zhang Heling's stretcher and crutches, but Zhang Luan was nowhere to be seen.

“I told you Dad has been very busy lately.”

Sitting in his chair, Zhang Heling spoke like a charlatan, “People used to say that sons learn from their fathers, but I think that when it comes to the father, he is learning from his son… I’m not talking about me, I’m referring to the second son! Everything that the second son experienced in the past is now being imitated by the father.”

Jin said impatiently, "Speak like a human!"

Zhang Heling said, "The second son used to be very busy, while Dad was very free. Now they're both very busy!"

"Humph!"

Jin complained, "I don't know what your father is busy with outside all day. I used to think he was quite family-oriented, but now... he's practically bringing his mistresses home."

Zhang Yi asked, "Mother, what are you saying?"

At home, Jin was the legal mother, while Tang, although Zhang Yi's biological mother, could only be called her aunt.

Zhang Yi usually doesn't dare to joke around with her two older brothers, appearing timid. However, she is now ten years old, which is the beginning of puberty for a girl. From her height to her appearance, she is gradually developing into a graceful young lady.

Jin said, "Don't be like your two older brothers when you grow up."

Zhang Heling curled his lip and said, "My little sister is a girl. Can she learn from us? With our family background, she's destined to marry into a good family and enjoy a life of luxury!"

"Shut up!"

Jin said angrily, "I get so annoyed just listening to you talk. Your sister is much more sensible than me."

"Humph!"

Zhang Heling turned his head away and stopped interrupting.

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, someone from the kitchen came to ask if they wanted lunch prepared first. Then someone outside came to report that Zhang Luan's carriage was already parked at the door.

"The master is urging us to go out."

Chang Shun rushed into the room and said urgently, "You also said not to delay the banquet in the palace."

Jin said, "He's not proactive himself, and now he's blaming us?"

Because of the unfortunate start, the family remained silent throughout their journey to the palace gate in the carriage.

On the contrary, Zhang Heling was the most carefree, frequently lifting the carriage curtain to look outside.

Upon arriving at Donghua Gate, Zhang Heling was immediately carried forward in a sedan chair as soon as he alighted from the carriage.

Zhang Luan frowned and said, "Can't you get down and walk by yourself?"

Zhang Heling said, "I want to too, but Mother thinks it's too slow and says this way we can walk faster."

"How long has it been and your leg still isn't fully healed? If it's this serious, what's the point of coming to the doctor? Next time, just kill it!" Zhang Luan said, pouting.

"Mother, what did I tell you? Father only has eyes for the second son, not for me! Did you hear what he said? He wanted to beat me to death!" Zhang Heling protested. "What kind of father treats his son like this? If you wanted your second son to inherit the family business, you should have said so earlier."

Zhang Luan sneered and said, "Do you think your second brother has any interest in inheriting this family fortune? Or rather, does he even care about inheriting it?"

"Isn't there also the title of Marquis of Shouning?"

Zhang Heling said, "I understand. You want to pass the title to your youngest son."

Zhang Luan retorted angrily, "What a worthless title you think it is... Your brother is thinking about making a name for himself, while others want to be granted a dukedom. You think you can just shut up!"

"mother……"

Zhang Heling then looked at his elderly mother.

He noticed that his elderly mother had turned her head to one side and was too lazy to pay any attention to him.

Zhang Heling said, "We agreed that the whole family would come to the palace to congratulate Sister on the birth of her child, so why is the second son the only one missing? It doesn't matter whether he's here or not! I think it would be better if you had a lump of iron than him! When has he ever considered himself a member of the Zhang family?"

This time, Madam Jin couldn't help but say, "If I could, I would definitely put you back in my belly! Don't you have any idea who we should be credited with for the Zhang family's current prosperity?"

"Pfft!" Zhang Yi, who had been listening intently, couldn't help but burst out laughing when she heard this and saw her older brother's embarrassed expression.

……

……

Inside Kunning Palace.

The Zhang and Zhu families gathered together, and even Empress Wang herself attended. However, she only stayed for a short while before feeling superfluous and leaving early.

Zhang Yu was very happy.

Having given birth naturally, she had exhausted her physical and mental strength, and now she lay on the cot looking sickly. Because she had to stay in bed during her postpartum confinement period, it was the most vulnerable time for a new mother. Fortunately, not only was her husband by her side, but her family members were also there, giving her a sense of belonging.

"It's a pity that Yanling didn't come back."

Zhang Yu said with some regret.

Zhang Heling sat on a chair to the side, with a pot of tea and some snacks in front of him. The family members walked around casually, but he could only sit there and watch because of his leg injury.

He was already feeling down.

Hearing her sister's words, she immediately muttered, "I knew I was the least favored one in the family! I was just born superfluous."

"Shut up, nobody thinks you're mute." Zhang Yu scolded her younger brother with a stern face, and instantly felt relieved, as if this was what it felt like to be back at her parents' home.

Zhang Heling said, "Sister, you're the third person to tell me to shut up today! It's one thing for my parents not to like me, but why don't you think highly of me either?"

"Who did I offend? What did I do wrong?"

Seeing this, Zhang Luan immediately walked over, grabbed him from the chair, and shouted, "Your mistake is that you're incompetent! At any time, only capable people are respected! As a man, stay away from your sister... Don't you know this is your sister's bedroom?"

"I..." After Zhang Heling got up, he moved his body forward involuntarily and said, "Dad, don't use force, my leg is still injured."

Zhang Luan shoved him out and shouted, "It's one thing to sit here doing nothing, but to keep nagging and bothering your sister. If this happens again, I'm definitely not bringing you along."

Zhang Heling said with a mournful face, "We're both sons, but I was raised by a stepfather, stepmother, and stepsister. It's so miserable!"

(End of this chapter)