CH 2.3

Inside, Dingquan led Zhang Luzheng further into his study. There they greeted each other as a ruler and his minister. Dingquan gave him a seat and asked, “Did you come here from the ministry itself, Lord Zhang? Or from your office?”

Zhang Luzheng replied, “I came from my office to visit the ministry, Your Highness.” 

Dingquan Quan asked in succession, “How was it?” 

Zhang Luzheng knew exactly what he was referring to, and replied, “Prince of Qi recommended one person to the Ministry of Revenue, and two to the Privy Council. I and the Right Executive Vice Minister advised strongly against it, but in the end, the two in the Privy Council caved into his pressure: one of them changed jobs and the other was transferred outside the capital. I believe in two days a decree will be issued.” 

Dingquan asked again, “What does Zhu Yuan think of this?” 

Zhang Luzheng said, “The Left Vice Minister is sick and has not been to the ministry for a few days now.” 

Dingquan nodded, then friendly said, “I troubled you, Meng Zhi.” Then heaving a heavy sigh: “Prince of Qi has always relied on His Majesty’s favour. Besides, over the years, His Majesty has become less concerned about me. It was fine back when the late empress was there, but now I am afraid that His Majesty intends to change the heir. My situation is getting increasingly difficult.” 

Zhang Luzheng comforted him: “Your Highness does not need to worry too early, after all, Your Highness is the eldest of the eldest son of His Late Majesty from his most beloved first wife. Please remember that His Majesty’s actions do not reflect his thoughts.” 

Dingquan sneered at the words: “I’ve always been the Heir Apparent merely because of the shadow of the late emperor — And I think that I have never sinned. As for being the eldest son you say, the birth mother of the Prince of Qi is the Empress, and he is the first son in His Majesty’s heart. I, a son without support, don’t even know where I stand.” 

Zhang Luzheng had not heard him complain for a long time. He was at a complete loss for words for a moment. After taking a long while, he responded, “His Majesty and Your Highness share the same blood, he will always have affection for you.” As if finding these officialese words boring, tasteless and unmoving, he added, “I will always support Your Highness.” 

Hearing these words, Dingquan was especially moved. He said, “Meng Zhi, I always rely on you.” After a pause, he said, “But, if the father and son are not like they should be, don’t mention it again.” 

Zhang Luzheng couldn’t tell if he became angry after entering the palace in these few days. He was unable to think about it readily but as he had to comply, he replied, “Yes.” 

Dingquan then asked, “What did the Prince of Qi do about Li Baizhou’s vacant seat?” 

Zhang Luzheng thought for a while and replied: “His Majesty has always said that there is no suitable candidate. But I also hear that the Left Vice Minister Zhu said that Prince of Qi had surprisingly recommended two people which His Majesty has yet to assent.” 

Dingquan nodded, “I still have to find a way to push you into the palace.” 

Zhang Luzheng shook his head and said, “This matter needs to be considered at length. For now, let’s wait and see what His Majesty’s will is. Now that the palace is in a stormy situation, I really do not wish to dare tread on it for a while.” 

Dingquan nodded and said, “Don’t worry, I ought to.” After a moment of silence, he continued, “I‘ve garnered such a bad reputation among my people, I feel hesitant about remarrying.” 

Zhang Luzheng was left speechless, he knew he had to divert the topic and so instead started talking about some newly found Jin calligraphy he encountered recently. This in fact somewhat piqued Dingquan’s interest. He asked in detail whether it was the original work or a copy from the previous dynasty. Zhang Luzheng laughed and asked him to determine that himself tomorrow. He then went on to talk about the congratulatory ceremony of the ministers who are planning to visit the East Palace on the Winter Solstice — mere truism. After talking for a while after that, he excused himself.

A day before the start of the Winter Solstice, before dawn, Dingquan got up and started his preparations to enter the palace and greet the Emperor. A-Bao and Kouzhu served him to put on his official uniforms. They saw his face full of melancholy. It had been more than three months since A-Bao began serving by his side. She knew that the most difficult thing for him was to come face-to-face with the Emperor. So whenever this obscure fire was at its most intense, she also tended to be a little more careful than before so as not to cause others any undeserved disasters. After they saw him out of the gate of the palace, the attendants sighed in relief, finally feeling relieved of the source of their calamity.