Chapter 123 - Day of Release
In late March, the coastal navy station welcomed its new leadership, marking the beginning of a swift and decisive transformation.
Several years prior, a significant portion of Great Yang's troops had been deployed to the Northern Frontier Battlefield, leaving behind mostly older or less capable personnel. Strong and skilled soldiers had been reassigned from various regions.
Due to this situation, the navy had virtually become ineffective, with some impoverished civilians working for it solely for the sake of a paycheck. Among them were elderly, frail, and disabled individuals who considered it just a job title.
Many of the new generals were dismayed by what they observed. Upon investigating further, their concerns deepened, and letters filled with complaints were dispatched to Crane City like a flurry of papers.
In the Crane City Headquarters, Lu Zheng and a portion of his subordinates resided. To execute his plan, he required the assistance of the Cao Sect.
Upon reading these letters of complaint, Lu Zheng responded with a single word: “Change!”
He removed the ailing and weak individuals from the navy, retaining those who could still serve. Those who couldn't be retained were discharged, and he proceeded to recruit new troops. This ignited a transformation throughout the coastal navy.
The news spread by Lu Zheng's men claimed that the imperial government was dissatisfied with the sailors' wages but was constrained by circumstances, leading to personnel reductions.
The commoners paid little attention to this. Sea bandits menaced the coastal areas annually, but they had yet to witness the naval forces achieving meritorious deeds or combatting the threat.
The local officials welcomed this development as well. It was worth noting that the watermasters' salaries were funded by local tax revenues. Saving this money meant having more resources for their own responsibilities.
While many applauded these changes, there were others who felt despondent, particularly the sailors who were dismissed and could no longer earn a salary without work.
In impoverished villages, not only did troublemakers emerge, but former sailors also joined the fray. Many watermasters began causing disruptions, with some even organizing their forces to drive away the new high-ranking officers.
The new generals were not to be trifled with; they were eager to showcase their abilities.
Stirring up trouble was one thing, but they were concerned that they might not have the opportunity to train their troops. To expel the troublemakers, they were prepared to use force.
As the situation in the navy grew chaotic, rumors became increasingly exaggerated. Yang Yi, accompanied by a few trusted aides, conducted drills in the coastal towns of Crane City County daily. They spread rumors that the imperial government was contemplating disbanding the navy.
He paid little attention to the reactions of those who heard the news. It was natural for some to be pleased while others were concerned. Those who sought protection were understandably worried, while the stationed spies found reason to rejoice.
Several days later, the situation shifted as imperial rankings were posted by various officials. The emperor issued a decree for Duke Zhen to oversee the navy's preparations, with his departure scheduled for a month hence.
The spies who had recently conveyed the news were taken aback and promptly dispatched a fresh message. Their focus shifted to gathering intelligence about the naval encampment.
In the current circumstances, more than half of the navy was indisposed, leaving it vulnerable. Observing this vulnerability, the spies collectively decided to embark on a significant operation before Duke Zhen's departure.
During this period, they learned of a grand merchant vessel setting sail, laden with cargo.
Events transpiring along the coastline remained unknown in the capital. Zuo Shaoqing received regular letters from Lu Zheng every three days, brief but filled with genuine concern.
Despite their brevity, Zuo Shaoqing cherished these letters. His replies, on the other hand, spanned several pages, encompassing his daily life, capital gossip, and significant developments in the imperial court. Even though he didn't explicitly mention Lu Zheng, the content of his letters revealed his deep affection.
The rankings for the Conference Test would be unveiled in ten days. Early in the morning, the Zuo Mansion's butler accompanied the two sturdy attendants as they prepared to check the results at the announcement.
The rest of the Zuo family anxiously awaited the outcome. Mrs. Xue held mixed feelings, desiring to elevate the status of Zuo's Mansion in Zuo Shaoqing's high school but also wishing to prevent him from continuing his education to curb his wayward behavior.
Zuo Yunwen eagerly anticipated his son's name appearing on the list. He rose before dawn, offering incense to Bodhisattva, an unusual gesture for him.
Zuo Shaoqing, hearing the commotion, also woke up. After breakfast, he retreated to his room to read, while the discussions outside grew louder.
A faint smile curved on Zuo Shaoqing's lips as he remained absorbed in his book.
In contrast, Luo Xiaoliu paced restlessly, perspiration beading on his forehead. He occasionally asked, “Master, do you think it will work?”
“Stand aside, you're making a fuss!”
“How can you stay so composed? If the butler hasn't returned by now, he must be avoiding it.” The more Luo Xiaoliu contemplated, the more he felt a chill. His initial high spirits gradually waned.
If San Ye didn't attain an official position, he wouldn't have become the old master's personal attendant. Furthermore, his aspiration was to become the butler. Now, it appeared that he could only continue as a third-tier attendant.
However, what he was unaware of was the overcrowding around the announcement board, making it difficult to access that street. The butler's arrival was not late, but it was relatively late compared to the servants who had been waiting there all night.
Consequently, upon his arrival, he discovered that all three levels of the street were teeming with people, forming a massive crowd.
Not only were most of the city's students present, but also numerous bustling citizens from the capital were perusing the rankings. Many families even had their eyes on the unmarried men on the list, contemplating recruiting them as potential sons-in-law.
Students gathered around, with some shedding tears of joy upon seeing their names. Some paid their respects to their parents, while others expressed gratitude to the heavens.
Naturally, there were those who experienced both happiness and disappointment. Many students meticulously examined the list several times from start to finish but couldn't locate their own names. Those who were more vulnerable to the pressure fainted on the spot.
The butler, accompanied by two attendants, struggled to advance. However, the crowd was overwhelming, and he lacked the vigor of youth. Consequently, for every step he took forward, he was pushed back two steps.
Someone ahead was loudly reading out the names on the list. When the butler heard “Zuo Shaoqing,” he couldn't make out the list clearly, prompting him to exert all his strength to push forward.
“Aiyo…” As he tried to make his way through, the butler lost count of the number of times he was stepped on or shoved. Given his age, it didn't take long before he was gradually forced out of the crowd.
When he was finally squeezed out, the butler wiped the sweat from his face and moved to the roadside to sit down. He scanned the area for the attendants who had come with him.
Due to the enormous crowd, by the time those few attendants managed to extricate themselves from the throng and locate him, it was almost noon. At this point, the official delivering the good news was already pounding the gong and drum to locate the entrance to the Zuo's Mansion.
In accordance with tradition, the later one arrived, the less favorable the position. Consequently, at this moment, the Zuo Family's patience had worn thin. Mrs. Xue even contemplated altering her son's privileged treatment, as he had always held high expectations.
Just as Zuo Yunwen was lost in thought, an attendant, the gatekeeper, stumbled as he entered, lying on the ground with a flattering smile. “Master… The officials delivering the good news have arrived!”
“What?” Zuo Yunwen's heart raced. He accidentally knocked over a teacup on the table, resulting in a loud “clang!” that roused Mrs. Xue from her slumber behind him.
While Zuo Yunwen was in a daze, another attendant ushered in the official bearing the good news. Following him were a few young men with pale faces who were no longer dressed as servants. Their expressions were filled with unbridled joy.
“My son… Is it true that my son is now in high school?” Zuo Yunwen still found it hard to believe. Considering the timing of this announcement, those who came to deliver the good news were likely among the very best.
“Congratulations, Master Zuo. Congratulations, Master Zuo. The Third Master of our household is truly exceptional. He has achieved the highest rank. Please place the incense stick down quickly.”
“Oh, yes…” Zuo Yunwen nodded in a daze before snapping to attention. With wide-open eyes, he exclaimed, “Quickly, inform Madam to prepare the incense altar.”
It had been twenty years since the Zuo Family had been stripped of its imperial duties by decree, and they were no longer entitled to receive imperial favors. The household staff, including the servants and attendants, were inexperienced in such matters, and for a moment, they were flustered.
Mrs. Xue, suppressing her frustration, instructed everyone to set up the incense altar. She also called for the few lords and ladies to gather. Even Zuo Shaoling, who had been confined to his room all day, was summoned to join.
As the Zuo Family members knelt according to their seniority, the chief servant unfurled Emperor Ming Huang's edict and read it aloud, extolling Zuo Shaoqing's exceptional literary talent, his high moral character, and his unblemished character. He had secured the first place in the Conference Test and was invited to participate in the Hall Competition three days later.
Following the announcement of the imperial edict, the members of the Zuo Family displayed various expressions, but Zuo Shaoqing remained the most composed. Stepping forward to accept the edict, he proclaimed loudly, “This humble student accepts the decree with gratitude! Long live the Emperor!”
In response to Zuo Shaoqing's expression of gratitude, the entire Zuo Family kowtowed. Zuo Yunwen, his face flushed with excitement, regained his senses and pulled out a purse from his sleeve, which he had prepared as a reward in advance.
Unaware that Zuo Shaoqing had achieved the highest scholar rank, Zuo Yunwen felt that the prepared reward was insufficient. He unfastened a jade pendant from his waist and handed it to the servant who had delivered the edict.
“You have all done us a great service, my lords. Please accept this token of our appreciation.”
The servant discreetly weighed the jade pendant and concealed it with satisfaction. She had initially declared that receiving such an imperial edict was a great honor, so no one would question issues of embezzlement or bribery.
With the youthful and promising Third Master Zuo being both a Top Scorer and a top scholar in the high school level, he was set to compete as the top scorer in the Hall Competition three days hence.
Zuo Yunwen couldn't contain his laughter, envisioning a bright future for Zuo Shaoqing. He felt as light as a feather, and his eyes nearly sparkled with joy.
The household staff went all out to praise Zuo Shaoqing, likening him to a literary sensation gracing the mortal world. Zuo Yunwen was in high spirits, so he had Mrs. Xue add another twenty silver taels to their payment.
Zuo Shaoqing's eyebrows twitched, privately musing, “Zuo Yunwen is surprisingly generous. I can't recall receiving this much silver from him since my youth. I wonder if my heart will ache after parting with it.”
While Zuo Yunwen might not feel a pang, Mrs. Xue's countenance soured significantly when she handed over the twenty taels of silver. Upon closer inspection, one could discern her trembling hands.
As the household staff departed the Zuo Mansion with their filled pouches, conversations within the Zuo Family began to dwindle. The staff exchanged puzzled glances before distancing themselves from Mrs. Xue, the young masters, and mistresses.
Only Zuo Yunwen remained unperturbed, holding onto Zuo Shaoqing's hand to console him. “Shao Qing, you haven't disappointed me, haha… Yu Xiang truly has an exceptional son!”
Zuo Shaoqing cast his gaze downward slightly. At this moment, Zuo Yunwen still remembered his birth mother, Mrs. Ruan. He discreetly glanced at Lady Yue, who was with child, and whispered, “It's all thanks to Father's guidance.”
“Excellent, excellent, excellent!” Zuo Yunwen repeated the word “excellent” thrice in succession, then instructed an attendant, “Summon Second Master's family and invite Cheng Shaoqing as well. We shall celebrate tonight.”
“Master…” Mrs. Xue protested, her expression darkening. “Sister-in-law is occupied with her duties; how can she be expected to attend such a trifling affair?”
Mrs. Xue clenched her fists, unable to vent her inner frustration. Inviting her sister's family to celebrate for a child born out of wedlock seemed like a deliberate affront.
Zuo Shaoqing surveyed the expressions around him. He noticed that Mrs. Xue's faction wore frowns while the rest remained indifferent. The only person who appeared elated about his academic achievement was Luo Xiaoliu.
The corners of his mouth curled ever so slightly, and he considerately remarked, “Father, the Hall Competition is just three days away. Your son wishes to hasten his preparations. Perhaps we could postpone any celebrations until after the conclusion of the Conference Test?”
Mrs. Xue promptly nodded in agreement, “Indeed, Master. If we were to hold a banquet now, what if… wouldn't it bring disgrace upon the Zuo Mansion?”
“Enough!” Zuo Yunwen's temper flared. He clearly disapproved of Mrs. Xue's pessimism. Suppressing his anger, he gazed fondly at Zuo Shaoqing and said, “If you wish to continue your studies, let's discuss this matter in a few days.”
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