Chapter Thirty: Bearing Arms Before the Emperor

Chapter Thirty: Armed Guards Before the Throne

The Embroidered Guards were not solely composed of the Southern and Northern Patrol Divisions, whose duty was to oversee the realm. There was also a contingent tasked with protecting the Imperial Palace—the Han General’s Guard.

This particular force was known as the Imperial Guard Division, a branch of the Embroidered Guards. Ordinarily, however, the two operated independently.

Whenever the Emperor attended any occasion, the Han Generals would open the way.

As Emperor, Zhu Qizhen was naturally surrounded by guards.

Yet now, since the commander of the Embroidered Guards, Ma Shun, was wholly a man of Wang Zhen, there was little hope for reliable protection within the Palace.

The Grand Empress Dowager not only approved Zhu Qizhen’s appointment of Shi Jing as a guardian of the Palace, but, following the precedent of the Song Dynasty, specially approved a group of guards known as the Armed Guards Before the Throne.

Some might be unfamiliar with this official title, but Zhan Zhao himself bore this designation—those famed as exceptional masters within the palace.

On the Grand Empress Dowager’s orders, Zhang Fu was to select sons from noble families to enter the palace and guard His Majesty.

In this way, not only did Zhu Qizhen gain a cadre of men whom Wang Zhen could not control, but relations between the nobles and the Emperor were strengthened as well.

It was a move that served two purposes.

Whatever the future of Ming might be, for now, the nobility remained a force that could not be ignored.

No one could deny this fact.

Thus, Zhang Fu, the Duke of England, found himself busier than ever.

Though these so-called Armed Guards Before the Throne amounted to mere palace guardians, their role was to protect the Emperor himself. Sons who could not inherit titles, or those born of concubines, were sent to gain familiarity in His Majesty’s presence.

Perhaps, in the future, they might seize a promising path.

Yet the number of guards within the Palace would never be many—at most a hundred or so. They were not expected to achieve much, merely serve as the Emperor’s close protectors.

A hundred men sounded substantial, but considering the founding nobles of Ming, the nobles of the Jingnan campaign, and the imperial kin, the number of families was vast.

Who did not wish to secure a place?

All these people came seeking Zhang Fu.

As the foremost general of Ming, Zhang Fu was a conscientious man. Otherwise, he would not have reached such heights, for he was not intimately connected with any particular faction.

Now, with everyone coming to him, he was exhausted from endless social demands.

Finally, after seeing everyone off, he returned wearily to the inner chambers.

Lady Li approached, dismissing the maids attending her, and said, “Master, can’t you avoid meeting some of these people?”

Zhang Fu closed his eyes and replied, “No one can be offended, and at the very least, His Majesty’s side must have some true experts. The sons of these families—others might not know their nature, but I do. Sending them over—is it for them to protect His Majesty, or for His Majesty to protect them?”

“If their skills are lacking, so be it; after all, there is little real fighting on His Majesty’s side. But to lack wisdom is utterly unacceptable. Serving near the Emperor is a great opportunity, yet one misstep brings calamity upon the whole family.”

“How could I not worry?”

Lady Li said, “Enough, Master. Rest early. You must rise for court tomorrow.”

Zhang Fu grunted in assent and, after a moment’s silence, said, “You should also have Zhong prepared. I have registered his name.”

Lady Li’s hands faltered at his words. “Master, how could Zhong bear such a task?”

Zhang Fu sighed softly. “I have no choice. As the leading noble, if I do not send a son, what would the Grand Empress Dowager think?”

“Our lineage must produce at least one representative.”

Lady Li’s eyes filled with tears. “It is my fault. The Zhang family’s descendants are so few—only Zhong, and even he brought illness from the womb. I—”

Zhang Fu sighed deeply. “Three generations as generals is a curse for soldiers. My ancestors served as Yuan generals, accompanied the founding emperor in northern campaigns, my father served as the right hand of the Taizong and fell in battle, and now, in my generation, three generations have passed. Heavy bloodshed—this is not your fault, but my fate.”

Every family has its difficulties.

Do not think that, as the Duke of England, he had no troubles.

Zhang Fu was aging, and beneath him only Zhang Zhong remained—a sickly son whose survival was uncertain. Perhaps he would have to adopt an heir.

In such circumstances, even a lifetime of heroism could not avail him.

Lady Li could do nothing but sigh.

Zhang Fu said, “Do not worry. It is only for Zhong to meet the Grand Empress Dowager and His Majesty. I doubt the Grand Empress Dowager would force him. He need only bear the name within the palace.”

“This measure of courtesy, at least, I possess.”

Lady Li said, “I hope so.”

The next day, after Zhang Fu left for court, Lady Li went to Zhang Zhong’s chamber.

As Zhang Fu’s son, Zhang Zhong was not unattractive. Perhaps due to lifelong illness and constant medication, his frame was frail as if he might be swept away by the wind. His complexion was pale as a woman’s, the result of seldom seeing sunlight.

Yet, despite his pallor, Zhang Zhong’s brows were bold and spirited, with no trace of feminine softness—everyone who saw him lamented the frailty of the young lord’s body.

It seemed his spirit could not be contained by his flesh.

Mother and son sat facing one another, a gentle breeze blowing as if he might float away.

Lady Li’s heart ached at the sight. “My son, your mother has no choice. Fortunately, you need only make a few visits.”

Zhang Zhong replied, “Mother, do not grieve. As a son of the Zhang family, I must contribute to our lineage. I know how to handle this. Though my body is weak, I do not require assistance to walk—merely to show myself before His Majesty. That, at least, I can do.”

“There is just one matter, Mother, that you must consider carefully—it is time for Father to take concubines.”

Lady Li said, “Do not speak of this again. Your father would never agree.”

Zhang Fu and his wife were deeply affectionate, but that did not mean he had no concubines. Lady Li was not without jealousy, but in this era, the mistress of the household could not prevent such arrangements.

Yet she understood that Zhang Zhong’s suggestion was not to take one or two, but to take several wives and concubines for the sake of children.

Lady Li was too old to bear more, and Zhang Fu himself seemed to suffer from some issues—not infertile, but unlikely to father more children.

Otherwise, after all these years, there would not be only Zhang Zhong.

It was not for lack of desire for children.

Zhang Zhong had long urged his father to take more concubines, but Zhang Fu refused.

From a young age, Zhang Fu was mature beyond his years. After his father Zhang Yu was killed in battle, he held the family together and expanded its standing. He was not averse to beauty, but he did not indulge in it; his affection for his wife was deep, and he would not tarnish his reputation in old age.

Zhang Zhong said, “Mother, I know my own body. If I am lucky enough to live a few more years, it is heaven’s mercy. In the end, I will pass before you and Father. My death is little matter, but you and Father having no children beneath you is my greatest failing. Compared to Father, I worry more about you. Father, with his wisdom, even if we adopt from my uncles, they would not dare act rashly while he lives. But once he is gone, what will you do?”

“Better to let Father take concubines and bear a son or daughter. No matter what, you are the legitimate mother—raising them from infancy will ensure your later years are secure. Then I can die in peace.”

“Do not say such things,” Lady Li replied. “If you are gone, I will not live either.”

Zhang Zhong said, “Very well, if you will not, I shall select a few maids from the household myself.”

“Do you wish to die?” Lady Li said. “The imperial physicians have long warned that your illness cannot tolerate women. Fine, I agree.”

Zhang Zhong was finally reassured.

With this matter settled, half the burden in his heart was lifted. With family affairs arranged, Zhang Zhong turned his attention to another matter—his pursuit of merit.

It was not that he craved wealth or honor; as the legitimate son of the Duke of England, what luxury had he not known? What he yearned for was to accomplish something meaningful.

Because he felt death’s shadow with every breath, he was desperate to leave his mark upon the world. Previously, he had no opportunity, but now, as a close attendant to His Majesty, perhaps he could achieve something.

Thus, in this matter, Zhang Zhong was even more earnest than his parents.