Chapter 120: The Emperor
For Zhang Fei, it was just another lawsuit. Life had to go on.
After the verdict in Kaifeng Prefecture, he immediately resumed his business.
This lawsuit revealed his shortcomings. He only had Xu Zhiqian by his side. What if she left or got married? What then?
He needed a professional team.
That was the only long-term solution!
Today, he arranged to go to the Fan Family Bookstore with Xu Zhiqian. He wanted to check if Fan Li had recovered or passed away. If it was the latter, he would pay his respects and bring his wife back to take care of her.
“Lady Xu, you’ve arrived, let’s go then!”
“Huh? Why is it just you and Li Si at home?”
Xu Zhiqian noticed that Zhang Fei was alone with Li Si and looked around, not seeing Gao Wenyin and the others.
Zhang Fei explained, “They all went to Xiahe Village to pay their respects to Shi Tingjun.” On the day of the verdict in the Kaifeng Prefectural Office, they had hurried back to Xiahe Village because some matters required personal notification.
Xu Zhiqian nodded slightly and asked, “Did Madam Zhang go too?”
Zhang Fei nodded.
Xu Zhiqian teased, “You are really generous!”
“This isn’t generosity; it’s called confidence.”
Zhang Fei chuckled, “Do I look like someone who’s afraid of the dead?”
After a pause, he continued, “This is also why I’m willing to take them in. Today they are loyal to Shi Tingjun; tomorrow they will be loyal to me.”
Xu Zhiqian laughed, “This time, you’re smart. Let’s go!”
Just as they were about to leave, Wang Ye walked in.
“Senior Brother Wang?”
Xu Zhiqian was slightly surprised.
Generally, when the emperor visited incognito, they would be notified beforehand, but not this time, which surprised her.
Wang Ye glanced at them and asked, “Are you going out?”
“No…no.”
Xu Zhiqian shook her head.
Hmm?
Zhang Fei whispered, “Lady Xu, didn’t we agree to go to the Fan Family Bookstore?”
He was used to working according to plan and preferred not to disrupt his schedule unless necessary.
Drinking and chatting could happen any day!
Xu Zhiqian awkwardly said, “Zhang San, Senior Brother Wang is here. Let’s go tomorrow; it’s not urgent.”
Zhang Fei looked at her with deep disdain.
Wang Ye, seeing their hesitation, asked again, “Am I interrupting?”
“No! No!”
Xu Zhiqian shook her head vigorously.
Zhang Fei also put on a smile, “Brother Wang, please come in.”
“Thank you!”
Wang Ye glanced at Xu Zhiqian.
Xu Zhiqian quickly understood and said, “Brother Wang, you must be here to congratulate Zhang San!”
Wang Ye smiled and nodded, “To be honest, when I heard you were suing the court, I was worried. I didn’t expect you to win the lawsuit. It’s truly inspiring.”
Zhang Fei modestly replied, “Not at all! The outcome was uncertain until new evidence surfaced, clearing my wife’s name. Good deeds do get rewarded!”
Wang Ye smiled, “Zhang San, don’t be modest. My teacher has already told me everything.”
Zhang Fei smiled and nodded.
Xu Zhiqian suddenly said, “Senior Brother Wang, my father mentioned yesterday that you haven’t joined us for a meal in a while. Please come to our house for lunch today. I’ll arrange it now.”
Wang Ye smiled and nodded, “Since you insist, I’ll gladly accept.”
“Great! I’ll make the arrangements.”
Xu Zhiqian then turned to Zhang Fei, “Zhang San, you two chat.”
“Oh!”
Zhang Fei nodded woodenly, feeling puzzled. Why was she so gentle with Brother Wang? Couldn’t she treat everyone the same?
However, Zhang Fei had initially felt a connection with Wang Ye, but later found him annoying. He suspected Wang Ye had a severe case of self-importance, always talking about national affairs as if he owned the country.
Wang Ye didn’t seem to notice this. Sitting in the room, he excitedly said, “Since I heard about your argument at the Court of Judicial Review, I’ve been unable to sleep, feeling both excited and worried.”
Zhang Fei awkwardly smiled, “Really?”
Wang Ye nodded, “Your argument was spot on, highlighting the flaws in our government. It was brilliant and awe-inspiring.”
He sighed, “Whether it’s the Corvee Labor Law or the Excess Officials issue, they’ve troubled our dynasty for years. It’s worrisome.”
Here we go again. Sigh… Zhang Fei patiently said, “Brother Wang, these issues will be resolved by others. Worrying about them is pointless and meaningless.”
Wang Ye raised his hand, “Zhang San, you’re wrong. Government issues affect us too. How can we remain indifferent?”
I need to find that woman; I can’t handle this. It’s endless.
Initially, Zhang Fei could chat and boast, but if it happened every time, it became tiresome. Wang Ye seemed intent on extracting opinions from him, making him uncomfortable.
But since Wang Ye was Xu Zun’s student, Zhang Fei had to show respect. He patiently said, “We have no power or position. Talking about this is useless. It’s better to earn more money so that if trouble comes, we can buy our way out instead of waiting for death.”
“Zhang San, you’re joking!”
Wang Ye persisted, “You often advocate for the wronged, risking offending powerful officials. If you didn’t care about the country, why would you repeatedly stand up?”
Zhang Fei weakly explained, “I’m just a pen-in-cap; it’s my job. It has nothing to do with caring for the country. Really.”
Despite Zhang Fei’s impatience, Wang Ye’s eyebrows showed worry, “But in my opinion, your abilities are far greater. Surely you have solutions. Would you share them with me?”
Oh no! He’s a lunatic! Thankfully, I didn’t take him as a subordinate, or I’d be driven crazy. Zhang Fei was annoyed and suddenly stood up, “Oh! Brother Wang, I’m sorry, I just remembered I have something urgent. Why don’t you talk to Lady Xu? I’ll be back later.”
Thinking to himself, after finishing business at the bookstore, he would go drinking and singing with the guys, then stay at an inn. With his wife not home, he wouldn’t return tonight.
“Zhang San, please wait.”
Wang Ye hurriedly called out.
I can’t stay! Zhang Fei repeatedly said, “Sorry! Sorry! I really have something urgent. Next time, I’ll treat you to drinks.”
Wang Ye’s face showed hesitation, but seeing Zhang Fei about to leave, he suddenly asked, “Would you act the same if the Emperor asked you?”
“The Emperor?”
Zhang Fei paused, then laughed, “With so many wise officials, why would His Majesty ask a pen-in-cap about governance? You’re funny.”
Wang Ye smirked, “Maybe I can bring the Emperor here.”
“You?”
Zhang Fei was amused, “Alright! If you bring the Emperor, even if I don’t have an answer, I’ll make one up… cough… okay! I really don’t understand these things, and I really have to go. Go find Lady Xu.”
Saying this, he noticed Wang Ye wasn’t leaving and thought, how could this guy be so clueless? Fine, let him sit.
Wang Ye smiled, “Alright! Pretend I’m the Emperor. Make up an answer to fool me.”
“The Emperor can…!”
Zhang Fei was shocked, but halfway through, he blinked and tilted his head, “What… what did you just say?”
Wang Ye chuckled, “Pretend I’m the Emperor. Make up an answer to fool me.”
“…?”
Zhang Fei scrutinized Wang Ye, thinking, the Emperor is about his age. Could it be…? He left saying, “Excuse me!”
Without giving Wang Ye a chance to speak, he hurried out.
At the door, the guards were about to stop him, but Wang Ye raised his hand to let them through.
Zhang Fei rushed out and quickly entered the Xu residence.
“Xu Zhiqian! Xu Zhiqian! Come out!”
He shouted all the way.
“Stop shouting, I’m here.”
Xu Zhiqian appeared from around the corner.
Zhang Fei immediately walked over, but before he could speak, Xu Zhiqian said, “You found out?”
Pointing at her, Zhang Fei stammered, “Damn!”
“You…you can’t be serious!” Zhang Fei suddenly became agitated, “I trusted you, and you betrayed me?”
Xu Zhiqian, slightly guilty, replied, “I wanted to tell you, but…but he wouldn’t let me. Even my father didn’t dare to.”
“Fine! Even so, when we chat, you should’ve hinted. You let me walk into the fire pit.”
He didn’t remember what nonsense he had said while drinking.
“I did! You just kept misunderstanding…hmpf.”
Xu Zhiqian got angry, glaring at Zhang Fei.
“How could I know His Majesty would do such idle things!”
Zhang Fei slapped his forehead, “What’s going on?”
He still couldn’t believe it. Why would the emperor come to drink with him?
Xu Zhiqian explained, “I’m not sure. My father said His Majesty appreciates your talents and wanted to meet you.”
“I see!” Zhang Fei nodded in understanding.
“…?”
Xu Zhiqian asked, “Has His Majesty left?”
Zhang Fei turned and ran towards the back door.