A Crane Cries in Huating

The lonely old courtier once shed tears of regret and grievance,

His unfilial offspring would feel sad because of their ignorance.

The boundless waves might remind him of the life in exile.[1]

Zhang Luzheng came in his uniform just as before, and after seeing him, he hurriedly saluted and said, “Your Highness seems to have lost weight. I have committed a grave crime — I just ask His Highness to clarify, what is the matter?” 

Dingquan asked him to sit down, shook his head, and said, “Fret not, Meng Zhi. You didn’t do anything. Actually, it’s just Li Baizhou’s legal case.” He said briefly, and then smiled, “To His Majesty, in order to teach people a lesson, it wouldn’t matter even if he has to rip off every shred of my dignity.”

Although he avoided the important and dwelled on trivial matters, Zhang Luzheng listened to the reason, but he also wanted to understand the whole story. However, since Dingquan didn’t want to say it clearly, Zhang Luzheng didn’t pry either. 

After being silent for a while, he presented a brocade envelope that he had brought with him. Dingquan opened it in suspicion and saw two thin rolls of jute paper in it. He took a look at them and said pleasantly, “Meng Zhi, you’re really remarkable. They’re so rare but you managed to find them all.” 

After examining them carefully for some time, he sighed, unable to put them down, “I’m afraid that someone will steal someone’s love. I feel uneasy.” Sensing that his words were not sincere in the slightest, he laughed instead. 

Zhang Luzheng said, “It’s just a mediocre hobby of mine. But if this thing can be worthy of Your Highness’s appreciation, then it is also worthy of its owner.” 

Dingquan said with a smile: “Meng Zhi is humble. But as I am still reflecting, I dare not stay with Meng Zhi any longer. How about I treat you to some tea to thank Meng Zhi in person in the future?” 

Zhang Luzheng, seeing that his eyes had never been removed from the paper and that his face was full of innocent joy, felt a little sad. He waited for him to enjoy it for a while, and finally said, “I resign today, so if I want to be treated with tea by His Highness in the future, I’m afraid it will not be as convenient as before.”

Dingquan raised his eyes in surprise, “What do you mean by that, Mengzhi?” 

Zhang Luzheng smiled wryly and said: “I heard from the court today that His Majesty has issued an imperial edict to replace the subordinates of the Household Administration of the Crown Prince under the pretext of dereliction of duty. Now that the edict has been revoked, and the central government is empty, I am afraid that a decree will arrive at my residence as soon as this afternoon, or as late as tomorrow before noon.”

Dingquan sat in a daze for a while, then asked, “Do you know who else will be replaced this time?” 

Zhang Luzheng sighed, “All the upright and chief officials have been relieved of their duties in The Household Administration, but they still hold their own posts. I haven’t heard of other punishments yet.” 

Dingquan nodded, but after a long time, he sneered, “I speculated that day that there would be a follow-up to this move, and I guess I wasn’t wrong after all. It’s just that his move is so fast and involves so many that I’m baffled.”

Zhang Luzheng reassured him helplessly, “Your Highness, you don’t have to think too much. Now that it’s come to this point, I think His Majesty…will not go as far as dig up the past. I am still in charge of the affairs of the ministry, so I can still serve Your Highness as before.”

Dingquan stood up. He went forward to hold his hand and said, “It’s not that I doubt Mengzhi’s affection, but in the future, if you meet me again, you will be guilty of a private visit. I’m afraid everything will be difficult.” He clenched his jaw and sighed, “What’s more, it’s terrifying to think that an imperial edict can lead to imprisonments, abolish establishments, and kill people. Why calculate to this extent?”

Zhang Luzheng also got up and cupped Dingquan’s hand to soothe him, “Your Highness, don’t say such discouraging words. Not to mention, the minister of war is still fighting hard at the front line, and he has a close relationship with Your Highness; even if you miss the late empress, Your Highness must not have such thoughts.” 

Dingquan felt a pang in his chest, and interrupted him, “Mengzhi, you don’t need to say more, why would I not know this? Ruler and courtier, father and son, so far I have realised that the emperor’s words are never false. However, I will absolutely not back down, not even half a step. Not for this nominal seat, and not for all of you, but for the survival of my family in the front lines.” Then he added, “The battle ahead is still going on, and I don’t think we can do anything about it for a while. All of us should take care of ourselves and observe the situation for now. If there’s any news about the newly-appointed people at The Household Administration of the Crown Prince, please send someone to report to me as soon as possible.” 

Zhang Luzheng agreed to everything, then asked him to rest and eat more. Before leaving, he couldn’t help but bow in salutation and said, “I and Lord Du thank Your Highness for your care and kindness.” 

Dingquan was stunned for a moment, then suddenly turned around and waved his hand, “Mention not.”

TN Notes↲1From Northern and Southern Dynasty, Jiang Yan’s The Ode to Resentment (恨赋).