Chapter 127: Posting a Small Notice

The paper ball thrown by the Prince of Qin contained the exact sequence of events regarding the collapse of the main hall at the new Prince’s mansion last night. After lengthy deliberation, Yang Yaozong and Zhang Lie concluded that the Prince of Qin would attempt to cover up the incident. Consequently, they spent the night writing numerous accounts of the collapse, specifically framing it as a divine punishment from Heaven upon the Prince of Qin. They embellished the story like a myth, vividly describing the event and exaggerating how lightning had struck the mansion down. Yang Yaozong knew these flyers were intended for the commoners of the capital, and in this era, the more bizarre a story was, the more readily it was accepted by the masses, allowing for the rapid cultivation of public opinion. Under the cover of the rainy night, they posted these papers throughout the streets and alleys. Regardless of whether their speculation was correct, if the Prince of Qin intended to continue construction, his reputation among the people would undoubtedly suffer a significant blow. Though both men knew this would not cause irreparable damage to the Prince, it would at least give the citizens of the capital a glimpse into his true character.

Zhang Lie, clearly having never done such a thing before, returned to the mansion with Yang Yaozong still in a state of high excitement. His demeanor was much like a child who had successfully pulled off a prank—like sticking a "turtle-egg" note on someone's back without them knowing and watching them strut through town. He was so exhilarated that he chattered on to Yang Yaozong for a long time before finally going to rest.

The overcast weather made it easy to lose track of time. Yang Yaozong drifted in and out of a heavy, lethargic sleep. Each time he woke and looked outside, the sky appeared unchanged, making it impossible to tell if it was morning or afternoon, let alone how long he had slept. It was not until Zhang Lie knocked on his door to wake him that he rubbed his aching head and rose.

When Yang Yaozong opened the door and saw Zhang Lie, he asked, "What time is it?"

"Just reached the hour of Shen," Zhang Lie replied.

Noticing Zhang Lie was in his official robes with mud on his boots, Yang Yaozong asked, "Is there nothing going on at the yamen?"

Zhang Lie sat down and let out a cold snort. "I thought the yamen and the streets would be bustling today, but I underestimated the Prince of Qin’s reach in the capital. I haven't heard a single soul discussing the incident on the streets; the commoners likely only dare to whisper behind closed doors. The officials at the yamen are even worse—everyone has a face as gloomy as this weather. I was suffocating in there all day." Zhang Lie took a sip of tea. Last night, he had constantly referred to himself as "this humble official" in front of Yang Yaozong, which made Yang feel uncomfortable, so he had insisted that when they were alone, Zhang should simply use "I." Since then, Zhang Lie seemed more at ease and warmer toward Yang.

Yang Yaozong smiled slightly. "You can't really blame them. The Prince of Qin’s power in the capital is absolute. Even you and I had to sneak around to post those flyers; how can we expect the commoners and officials to discuss it openly?"

Zhang Lie nodded and smiled helplessly. "You are right, sir. But what is even stranger is that the Prince of Qin has sent someone to invite me to a banquet on the fifteenth of the ninth month. With such a major incident having occurred, I cannot fathom why he still has the mind to host a banquet. I rushed back to have you analyze it for me."

Yang Yaozong pondered for a moment, then stared intently at Zhang Lie. "Do not forget that you are the newly appointed runner-up in the imperial examination and have been personally named a Prefectural Judge by the Emperor. Compared to those who only remain in the capital as compilers in the Hanlin Academy, you have stepped into a position of real power with a higher rank, which shows that you are deeply favored by the Emperor. The Prince of Qin is inviting you; if you show any sign of leaning toward his faction, it would be of great benefit to his reputation. However, this is only my speculation—only the Prince himself knows his true intentions. But regardless, you must attend this banquet."

Zhang Lie frowned and nodded.

"Knock, knock, knock."

"Young Master Yang, someone has sent you a calling card. I have brought it to you."

Yang Yaozong opened the door, took the card from the servant, and pulled it from the envelope. It bore the three characters for "Red Dust Drunk." He knew immediately that Madam Jiang must have something to discuss.

Yang Yaozong waved the card and smiled at Zhang Lie. "Shall we go together?"

Zhang Lie laughed. "I never expected that you would win the favor of a beauty so soon after arriving in the capital, sir! I am truly envious. Although this 'Red Dust Drunk' in the capital shares a similar name to the 'Drunken Red Dust' in Tianjing, it is inferior; it lacks a beauty like Lady Yin Ruxin, who is like a celestial being. When I saw you off on the boat in Yangzhou, I believe one of the two women was Lady Yin. The other, though veiled, possessed an ethereal, transcendent beauty. You truly are a man of great fortune! Truly, a gifted scholar and a beautiful woman—a perfect match!"

Yang Yaozong laughed heartily. "Thank you for the high praise, Brother Zhang!"

Zhang Lie chuckled. "Then I shall accompany you to Red Dust Drunk and see if I can borrow some of your luck to find a fortuitous match of my own."

Yang Yaozong teased, "I cannot guarantee a 'fortuitous match' at Red Dust Drunk, but I can certainly guarantee you a pleasant evening."

Both men burst into laughter.

As they walked toward Red Dust Drunk, Yang Yaozong briefly explained how he had resolved the jade pendant incident the previous night, using it to explain why Madam Jiang had sent him the calling card.

Zhang Lie was indifferent to how the card came about, but he was surprised to learn that Yang Yaozong was the one who had resolved the incident. He smiled and told Yang that he had heard of the incident last night and had hoped to make the acquaintance of the person responsible, never imagining it was the man right before him.

Zhang Lie bowed with a smile. "Brother Yang! I have long heard of your reputation!"

Yang Yaozong returned the bow. "Brother Zhang! You are too kind!"

By the time they reached Red Dust Drunk, it was already evening. Madam Jiang recognized Zhang Lie. Seeing him arrive with Yang Yaozong and receiving a signal from Yang, she led them to a private room where wine and food were already prepared.

Madam Jiang poured a cup for each of them, then poured one for herself. She raised her glass to Zhang Lie and said, "Magistrate Zhang, you are the pride of the capital now! Everyone knows your name. Your presence at Red Dust Drunk adds much luster to my establishment. I toast you, sir." With that, she downed the wine in one gulp.

Zhang Lie smiled. "Madam Jiang, you are too modest. When I frequented this place in the past, I was always well looked after by you." He then drank his wine as well.

Madam Jiang poured another cup for Zhang Lie. "Magistrate Zhang and Young Master Yang are rare talents of the Great Zhou. You didn’t see the way my girls were looking at you two when I led you up—as if they were wolves and you were little lambs. I wonder which two girls will be lucky enough to feast tonight?"

Yang Yaozong smiled and asked Zhang Lie, "Brother Zhang, which young lady do you intend to let have that feast? I did promise you a pleasant evening, after all."