From Celestial Master to Imperial Tutor Author: AmaoZhao Chapter 1: A Person Who Should Not Have Appeared In the first year of Hongwu, the empire had just been pacified. Prince of Wu, Zhu Yuanzhang, ascended the throne in Yingtian Prefecture and proclaimed the founding of the Great Ming! One day, as the new Emperor was working in the Eastern Pavilion, a secret memorial was submitted to him. He casually opened it, only to see the three characters "Longhu Mountain" starkly written on the first line. Zhu Yuanzhang casually finished reading the contents above, pondering deeply. …… A few days prior, on Longhu Mountain in Jiangxi. The Zhang Family, whose lineage had spanned several hundred years, was busy preparing for the journey to the capital to meet the Emperor. "Be careful with this. It's the gift we are presenting to His Majesty!" "Master, I stayed up all night to sew these clothes for you. Don't forget to put them on!" "We are about to depart. Where has that rascal Zhang Yi gone?" While the Zhang Family was in an uproar, a small boy was perched on a roof, watching the people below. He looked to be about seven or eight years old, cute as a carved doll, but there was a maturity in his eyes that did not match his age. "I wonder what scheme my elder brother has in mind. As the eldest son, he should be accompanying Father to the capital, yet he specifically insisted that Father take me, his rebellious son, to the capital. Does he think Father will live too long, and he wants to make his father so angry that he wants to take over the Tianshi Position early?" As soon as Zhang Yi finished speaking ill of his elder brother, he was immediately rewarded with the consequences. He was given a solid slap from behind. "Elder brother?" Zhang Yi rubbed his head and turned around, only to find a young boy standing behind him, not much older than himself. Unlike him, the other was wearing a Daoist robe and looked like a young immortal. However, the young immortal was now cursing at Zhang Yi, his anger provoked: "You wretched younger brother, ungrateful for a kind heart! I saw that you and Father don't get along well, so I specifically asked Mother to suggest that Father take you to the capital!" "Father is going to the capital this time to meet the new Dynasty's Emperor and petition for titles and rewards for the Longhu Mountain Celestial Master's Residence. You are rarely close to Father, but right now he is in a good mood, so it's a perfect chance for you to improve your relationship with him!" Zhang Yi rolled his lips: "That old stubborn man believes I am the reincarnation of an Omen Star. How could he possibly give me special treatment? His name is Zhang Zhengchang, while mine is Zhang Yi. Just the fact that he gave me this name shows we are incompatible!" "Brother, I am different from you. It is said that auspicious signs appeared when you were born, and Father thought you were the one who could restore the Celestial Master's Residence. But when I was born, thick dark clouds covered a hundred li around Longhu Mountain, and the harvest of the family's fields that year was poor. Father immediately branded me as an Omen Star, and even named me differently!" "You are called Zhang Yuchu, but I am called Zhang Yi. In other words, he is even reluctant to let me be a member of the Zhang Family. He simply feels I should not have appeared!" Zhang Yi complained aloud, but he understood that he indeed was a person who should not have appeared. In the history of the Zhang Family, he was something that appeared out of thin air. Longhu Mountain's forty-second Celestial Master, Zhang Zhengchang, should have had two sons: the eldest, Zhang Yuchu, who became the forty-third Celestial Master Zhang, and the other, Zhang Yuqing, the forty-fourth Celestial Master. Only this second son of his, who was not found in history. He appeared as if out of nothing. The reason Zhang Yi knew this piece of history was because the small soul residing within him was a transmigrator from the later generations. Transmigrating into the famous Celestial Master family at the end of the Yuan and beginning of the Ming dynasties was, in theory, a good start. It is said that there are only two great noble families in China: the Kong Family in Qufu and the Zhang Family on Longhu Mountain. Since the founding of Zhengyi Daoism by the ancestral Zhang Daoling, the lineage has continued to the present. Emperors through every dynasty have been gracious and sought to win the Zhang Family's favor. Especially under the previous dynasty, the Zhang Family's status had reached unprecedented heights. Born into such a noble family, to others, Zhang Yi might be considered someone born with a golden spoon in his mouth. Even in the future, it might be unknown whether he would inherit the Tianshi Position. But who could understand the suffering of a transmigrator like him? From the moment he was born, Zhang Zhengchang had branded him as an Omen Star because of those so-called anomalies. Feudal superstition kills people. Zhang Zhengchang had not shortchanged him of food and clothing since childhood, but he was not very warm towards him either. Zhang Yi was not just a child; an adult lived in his body, and one with a not-very-good temper. He had been isolated and suffered injustices, so he naturally lashed back. As a result of this back-and-forth, his relationship with Zhang Zhengchang grew even worse. The reputation of the rebellious son of the Celestial Master family gradually spread around Longhu Mountain. Having a poor relationship with his father essentially equated to cutting off Zhang Yi's future in the Zhang Family. The Zhang Family was a thousand-year noble house, and he originally had a chance to lay claim to the Tianshi Position. But while others might not know, Zhang Yi understood clearly: the future Celestial Master would certainly belong to his elder brother, Zhang Yuchu, and to his younger brother, Zhang Yuqing, but never to him, Zhang Yi. Fortunately, even though the father-son pair did not favor him, Zhang Yi got along quite well with his mother and his younger siblings. With the new Dynasty being established and Zhang Zhengchang going to the capital to petition for rewards, the other members of the Zhang Family, seeing him in high spirits, wanted the two of them to get closer. That is why on this trip to the capital, Zhang Yuchu strongly recommended that Zhang Zhengchang bring Zhang Yi along. Zhang Zhengchang originally was not willing, but he could not argue with his beloved eldest son. He grumbled for a few sentences, saying he would let Zhang Yi see the world in Nanjing to dispel the ominous aura on his body, and reluctantly agreed. Zhang Yi had refused to go to the capital. He knew that when Old Zhang met the Emperor, his mood would definitely not be good. But as soon as he had told his brother some of this, Zhang Yuchu glared back at him: "You bad omen bird! No wonder Father says you are an Omen Star. Keep these words firmly in your heart and never speak them, or you'll get beaten again by Father!" Zhang Yi said nothing more. Zhang Yuchu had a child's temperament and quickly put the matter aside. On the day of departure, hearing that heart-rending remark from his brother, he could not help but pat him on the shoulder. "Brother, you are a very important person in our Celestial Master's Residence!" "Pfft, being comforted by a brat, I'm not particularly happy about it!" "Shut up! I'm your elder brother!" Zhang Yuchu clenched his teeth: "The Old Lord be above us! It's not just Father—even I want to beat you, you rascal!" The sound of the two brothers playing and fighting startled the family members who were looking for Zhang Yi. Celestial Master Zhang Zhengchang looked up and saw that his two sons had climbed up onto the roof and were still playing there. Enraged, he glared and bellowed: "Zhang Yi, are you corrupting your elder brother again?" "Come down here now!" Hearing this, Zhang Yuchu and Zhang Yi quickly jumped from the roof to a lower roof nearby, and then climbed down from a tree. The moment the two landed, Zhang Zhengchang bellowed again: "Kneel!" The two exchanged a glance and dropped to their knees with a thud. Zhang Zhengchang looked at Zhang Yuchu, then at Zhang Yi, and finally fixed his gaze on Zhang Yi: "You Omen Star, you never do anything right. What else can you do besides corrupting your brother?" "It's a kindness that your mother and elder brother begged me to take you to the capital to see the world. Now you don't have to go!" Zhang Zhengchang's double standards heated up Zhang Yi's mind. He couldn't help but retort: "This wretched capital! Even if you let me go, I wouldn't go, I wouldn't go! It's just a matter of going to meet Zhu Yuanzhang, do you think there is anything good about it?" "Maybe this time you go, and end up coming back covered in humiliation!" The words had barely left his mouth when the surroundings fell silent. Zhang Yi looked up, just in time to see Zhang Zhengchang's face turn the color of a liver. Chapter 2: Celestial Master? Does Heaven Have a Master? Darling, this isn't something to joke about! When Zhang Yuchu first heard Zhang Yi finally say those things, the blood drained from his previously rosy cheeks, leaving them instantly pale. Though he was only a child of eight or nine, did anyone at the top or bottom of Longhu Mountain not know the importance of an audience with the Emperor to receive the imperial command? The lineage of Celestial Master Zhang has been passed down since Patriarch Zhang Daoling of the Han Dynasty to this day. Especially since the establishment of the Great Yuan, the title of Celestial Master had been officially recognized by the government, and the Zhang Family consequently reached its zenith. Now that a new dynasty had been established, seeking a legitimate and auspicious bestowal from the new emperor was too important for the Zhang Family. Before meeting that emperor, Zhang Zhengchang was actually very nervous himself. It was precisely because of this tension that the Zhang Family, from top to bottom, had been on edge about the audience with the Emperor, fearing any mistake might occur. And Zhang Yi, that unfilial son with a bad omen's mouth, had openly cursed Zhang Zhengchang right before him that he would return home in disappointment. Zhang Yuchu looked at his father. At this moment, where was the bearing of the Celestial Master who Inherits the Han? The finger he pointed at Zhang Yi was trembling; it seemed he had not yet organized the words to curse him. Finally, old Zhang managed to calm his breathing and shouted loudly: "Bring the Family Law! This humble one will beat this little brat to death today!" Having said this, he stepped forward to grab Zhang Yi's hair. Zhang Yi started, jumped up, and tried to run away. "Stop this little brat! I must beat him to death today!" Zhang Zhengchang didn't have time to formally summon the Family Law. He looked around and immediately snatched a peach-wood sword from a disciple nearby, then chased after Zhang Yi. "Father, brother, children's words are spoken without thought. Please don't take it to heart!" "Master, that is your son!" Old Zhang was so furious at Zhang Yi's single sentence that he was on the verge of a murderous impulse. Everyone in the family began to hold him back. Zhang Yuchu held on to Zhang Zhengchang's legs tightly, hoping his father would show mercy. "You little brat, from the moment you were born, you've brought nothing but trouble!" "Every time you make me angry. I, Zhang Zhengchang, will kill my own kin for the greater good today!" "How did our Celestial Master's Residence produce such an Omen Star as you?" Though Zhang Zhengchang was saying the harshest things, he ultimately stopped, holding the peach-wood sword at a distance, pointing it at Zhang Yi. Though Zhang Yi was small, he was not afraid. He retorted: "I am the Omen Star, so why don't you subdue me? Don't let people say we Celestial Master's Residence members are all drunkards and buffoons, decorative pillows with no substance!" Old Zhang was so angry that smoke seemed to rise from his seven orifices, and he was about to strike again. Zhang Yi said, "Besides, aren't you the one who is uncertain in your heart? Why else would my words get under your skin? You think that Emperor down there is a good person? He doesn't recognize our Longhu Mountain's Yangpingzhidugong Seal. Celestial Master, Celestial Master—does Heaven have a Master?" This sentence made Zhang Zhengchang feel a sense of unease for no clear reason. He rebuked angrily: "Where did you learn such ghost stories? Go around spouting nonsense like that? How dare you speculate about His Majesty!" Zhang Yi retorted: "Naturally in a dream. Patriarch Zhang Daoling told me in the dream. He said that the position of Celestial Master passed down through our Longhu Mountain for forty-two generations is probably about to be lost!" "Your ass about dreaming of the Patriarch!" Seeing that Zhang Yi had even brought out the Patriarch's name, old Zhang's beard and hair bristled with anger, and he was even more determined to beat Zhang Yi. "Go ahead and hit me. Anyway, this old man of yours never treated me as a son because of the strange phenomena surrounding my birth. If you beat me to death today, one day you will kneel before my grave to apologize to me!" The way Zhang Yi refused to admit defeat with his neck stiffened turned Zhang Zhengchang's full chest of fury into helplessness. He understood the source of this son's dissatisfaction and grievance; it was nothing other than the two words, 'Omen Star.' When Zhang Yi was born, dark clouds covered a hundred li around Longhu Mountain, and the Zhang Family suffered many calamities that year. As the Celestial Master, Zhang Zhengchang had drawn a hexagram for Zhang Yi, but it had left him with the name of Omen Star. He had confidence in the family's traditional arts, so he had always shown some disdain for this son. Even because of Zhang Yi's fate, he had deliberately chosen the character 'yi' [strange/anomalous] for his name. Although he was a flesh-and-blood son, he was not entered into the clan genealogy. Everyone on Longhu Mountain was a cultivator. He had considered his actions to be transforming the evil for Zhang Yi's sake, but it was enough to lead to various isolations of Zhang Yi by others during his childhood. Zhang Zhengchang eventually realized his own problem, but did not take the initiative to resolve it. But no matter how much he disdained Zhang Yi, the boy was still his own son. No matter how many kinds of fury old Zhang harbored, it was turned into a single sigh. "You insignificant child, what do you know?" "I and that Hongwu Emperor have a relationship built over many years. When His Majesty was still the Prince of Wu, he once visited my Longhu Mountain. His Majesty highly regarded our Longhu Mountain!" "I have heard of the Celestial Master of the Han Patriarch, whose moral virtue resided within himself, understanding the aid of ghosts and spirits. In between one exhale and one inhale, the Way of Heaven becomes dark and dim, and the gods of thunder and the various deities do not fail to receive commands..." As Zhang Zhengchang recited Zhu Yuanzhang's letter from back then, his eyes sparkled with excitement. Although he was worried about whether the new dynasty's emperor could preserve the Zhang Family's glory, in his heart, he had more confidence after all. After all, he had long known the current sovereign, Zhu Yuanzhang. Back when he was still the Prince of Wu, he had visited Longhu Mountain and held the Zhang Family in the highest esteem. Zhang Zhengchang had even written a calligraphic piece reading 'Mandate of Heaven Returns' for Zhu Yuanzhang back then. Zhu Yuanzhang was overjoyed and proclaimed it far and wide. Later, when a plague swept through Zhu Yuanzhang's territory, it was the entire Longhu Mountain Zhang Family that mobilized, drawing talismans to cure the people and soothing the hearts of the populace. Zhang Zhengchang believed that his relationship with Zhu Yuanzhang would by no means end in failure or defeat. It was just that Zhang Yi had been sneering the whole time, listening. Zhang Zhengchang simply did not understand that Emperor well enough. But even if he wanted to warn him, he estimated his old man wouldn't believe him, so he was too lazy to waste breath on nonsense. But Zhang Zhengchang, seeing that he was in a state of refusing to be managed, felt a fire kindle for no clear reason: "You say you're not going to the capital? Well, I insist that you go today! If I can't convince you to submit to my will in your heart, you will go back and use the Patriarch's name to pull off scams. Zhang Yi, how about I make a bet with you? If the new dynasty's emperor is truly as you say, I will no longer concern myself with you from now on; do as you please! But if you are wrong, then obediently come back to the mountain with me to receive punishment. Copy the scriptures left by the Patriarch ten thousand times. If you do well, I will naturally change your name for you!" After old Zhang finished speaking, before Zhang Yi could express himself, Zhang Yuchu had already jumped up in delight: "Brother, quickly accept Father's offer!" Change his name? Remove the name Zhang Yi and let him be entered into the clan genealogy? Zhang Yi's expression was complex, but with a strange smile, he nodded and agreed. Seeing that he had yielded, old Zhang sneered: "Then hurry up and pack. Go with me. I will note down your debt for today!" Although this little incident with Zhang Yi had occurred, the opportunity for the audience with the Emperor to receive the imperial command could not be delayed. Zhang Zhengchang understood that one must burn the first stick of incense; if this incense were stolen by other mountain or wild Daoists, it would ultimately be unseemly. Leading his disciples and sons, the group from the Celestial Master's Residence descended the mountain. Zhang Yi turned back, gazing at the Longhu Mountain shrouded in hazy smoke and clouds, his face showing a look of reluctance. "See how our Zhang Family has managed these past few years?" Seeing him so lingering, Zhang Zheng also revealed a trace of surprise. "Our Zhang Family, starting from the previous dynasty, received official recognition of the name Celestial Master. Over the past hundred years, under the management of successive ancestors, it already possesses the might of the two great patriarchs, Zhang Daoling and Zhang Lu of old!" It was rare for this unfilial son to praise the current Longhu Mountain, and Zhang Zhengchang found himself feeling inexplicably happy. As Zhang Yi had said, the current Zhang Family, even if not the best in history, was at least one of them. Being able to manage this family estate well amidst chaotic times made Zhang Zhengchang very proud. Especially since Zhang Yi usually had a certain disdain for the Celestial Master lineage, this commendation was all the more valuable. But Zhang Zhengchang had ultimately misunderstood Zhang Yi. At the very moment of his greatest pride, Zhang Yi said: "Father, have you ever heard of the saying that when things reach the peak of prosperity, decline must follow?" Old Zhang instantly felt his hand itching again. Where was his peach-wood sword? Chapter 3: Meeting the Emperor, Son of Heaven Zhu Yuanzhang Old Zhang ultimately failed to bring the blow down. After all, he was a Celestial Master, and a man should keep his word. He had already made up his mind. Once he returned from the capital, he would surely give this rebellious son a good thrashing. Yet, as he watched Zhang Yi—clearly just a child—staring toward Longhu Mountain, Zhang Zhengchang often got the impression that Zhang Yi was an adult. There was reluctance, lingering, and even a trace of homesickness. To see so many emotions in the eyes of a seven or eight-year-old boy caught Zhang Zhengchang, who had never truly faced his son head-on, off guard. Old Zhang let out a cold snort and fell silent, following Zhang Yi as he gazed back at Longhu Mountain. Longhu Mountain belonged to the Zhang Family. In fact, the farmland at its foot was the Zhang Family's as well. Ever since the Mongols from the previous dynasty entered the capital and the Zhang Family was officially recognized as the Celestial Master for the first time, the power and prestige of the Celestial Master's Residence had reached their peak in this short span of a hundred years. Zhang Yi claimed that the Zhang Family at this time could rival the eras of the two founding patriarchs, Zhang Daoling and Zhang Lu, but Zhang Zhengchang privately believed that the Zhang Family today was the best in history. For the sake of the ancestors, and to ensure the Zhang Family's lineage and glory endured for a thousand and ten thousand generations, he had to make the effort. Yet Zhang Yi's words that prosperity must eventually decline never left Zhang Zhengchang's mind. This was why Zhang Zhengchang felt his heart was pierced when Zhang Yi spoke, and why he flew into a fit of embarrassed rage. However, recalling his old friendship with Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhang Zhengchang's confidence returned. Back then, Lao Zhu had praised the Celestial Master's Residence with every possible flourish, and the Celestial Master's Residence had served him in his day. Surely he would remember some of that old bond? "Stop staring. It's not like we're not coming back, is it?" "If you linger over Longhu Mountain, you'd better obey and practice more from now on, to dispel that aura of inauspiciousness from your body! The Zhang Family's foundation was built through the hard work of generation after generation of Celestial Masters. As a member of the Celestial Master's Residence, you should think about how to contribute to the Zhang Family!" The words "Omen Star" made Zhang Yi pout, but in the end, he said nothing more and chose to keep his mouth shut. "Master, it is getting late. We should set out early!" The traveling disciple reminded the father and son. Zhang Zhengchang turned and climbed into the carriage; Zhang Yi squeezed in after him. "Mm!" "What's wrong?" "This carriage is a bit bumpy. It could be modified." "Then get out and walk!" "Father, I am the Omen Star, not a fool!" "Hmph!" Whenever the father and son were together, they bickered at every turn. However, because of the wager between them, Old Zhang ultimately held back the impulse to beat this rascal. "Did you really dream of Patriarch Zhang Daoling?" "As true as can be!" "I don't believe it!" "Believe it or not, I believe it anyway!" The bickering between the father and son meant the journey was not at all dull. Before they knew it, the group had moved from Jiangxi into Nan Zhili, and Yingtian Prefecture was just around the corner. "This is Yingtian?" Zhang Yi's small head poked out of the carriage, gazing at the distant city walls and issuing a cry of amazement. In his previous life, he had been to Nanjing. Looking at the old city walls of Yingtian again, he couldn't help but feel a sense of temporal displacement. The towering walls bore the marks of time and war, yet blended into the scenery of Jiangnan, they appeared very harmonious. The capital was bustling with traffic. The lines of people entering the city were long. Even members of the Celestial Master's Residence had to queue behind them. When the group entered the city, Zhang Yi looked at the distant pavilions and towers, and the densely packed, neatly arranged residences, and couldn't help but let out an exclamation. It wasn't that he, as a transmigrator, hadn't seen the world, but rather that after crossing over, he had not seen so many people in a long time. This city was the first place that felt like a city to him. He really wanted to stay here... At the end of the Yuan and beginning of the Ming dynasties, the realm had endured years of war and the population was already sparse. Even though the Zhang Family's influence extended across Jiangxi, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Hunan, and other regions, the places where the Zhang Family was based were considered prosperous for their locales, they still couldn't compare with the capital. Zhang Yi's excitement was, in Old Zhang's eyes, merely a child's naivety. He snorted coldly: "Your temper is restless. This is a disgrace to our Celestial Master's Residence. Sit down right now!" "We will find a place to rest first. You and your senior brothers are to stay in the Daoist Temple and not wander off. Your father is going to the palace to see the emperor!" The first thing the Zhang family did upon arriving here was see the emperor. Zhang Zhengchang had no time to waste upon entering the city. The Daoist Temple they settled into had naturally been arranged by his disciples beforehand. The Zhang Family had controlled the Daoist religion across the realm for years, and several Daoist Temples in the capital were properties of the Zhang Family. After settling Zhang Yi and the others, Old Zhang went off to his business. Entering the palace was not something one could just do on a whim. He naturally needed to find a way to report to the emperor, but the result was good. Emperor Hongwu learned of Zhang Zhengchang's request to be received and gladly agreed. Soon, word came from the palace, informing Old Zhang to see the emperor the next day. The emperor's swift agreement put Zhang Zhengchang's mind at ease. The Emperor had not forgotten their old bond. Old Zhang was thrilled. Looking at Zhang Yi nearby, he felt a sense of distaste again. This little Omen Star had been spouting nonsense about prosperity leading to decline all these days, almost making him misjudge the situation. "Master will surely receive a great reward from His Majesty this time. The lineage of our Longhu Mountain will be blessed for generations!" On the eve of entering the palace, Old Zhang was praised with such flattery by his disciples that his heart was in high spirits. This finally neutralized the negative mood Zhang Yi had brought him. "Keep an eye on your junior brother. Don't let him run around or say foolish things..." "Yes, Master!" "Zhongxiu, you have done well. I will remember you in the future!" "Thank you, Master!" …… The next day, after the emperor had finished his morning court, Zhang Zhengchang entered the imperial palace early. Walking through the imperial palace, Zhang Zhengchang's heart was still full of anxiety. But the moment he saw the emperor, the stone in his heart finally fell to the ground. "Your Majesty, of the lineage of the Celestial Master's Residence on Longhu Mountain, the Successor Celestial Master Zhang Zhengchang pays his respects!" Upon hearing the word "Celestial Master," the emperor's brow furrowed slightly. He said, "Let him in." As Zhang Zhengchang followed the eunuch in, he saw that Lao Zhu was hunched over, reviewing memorials. Zhang Zhengchang quickly lowered his head, afraid that anyone would notice him peeking at the emperor. After the eunuch announced his arrival, the emperor raised his head. The Son of Heaven of the Great Ming, Zhu Yuanzhang, had delicate brows and fire-like eyes, a straight and long mouth, a face like a full moon, and a beard not a foot long. His appearance was just as it had been in those days. Zhang Zhengchang knelt down. He was just about to speak when the emperor stood up and laughed heartily: "Zhang, my minister, I have been waiting for you a long time!" After speaking, Zhu Yuanzhang actually rose to help Zhang Zhengchang up. The emperor's warmth left Zhang Zhengchang both flattered and overjoyed. "For the Emperor to remember... this humble Daoist... is my honor!" "How could I forget? The four characters of 'Destiny's Inevitable' that the Master wrote back then, I still have them!" "The Master ran all over to treat a plague that broke out in the land I rule, and I remember that too. That Spring of the Great Yi back then was personally named by me!" "If you hadn't come to see me, I would have sent people to look for you soon!" Hearing this, Zhang Zhengchang was so moved that tears streamed down his face. It was nice that it was still our Han family's emperor! Although the Mongols had bestowed wealth and honor on the Zhang Family in those days, when had they ever treated him like family, patting his shoulder as they did now? In that moment, Old Zhang cast his last shred of doubt to the nine heavens and fell to his knees with a thud: "The lineage of the Celestial Master's Residence on Longhu Mountain will serve Your Majesty with our very lives!" "Celestial Master's Residence?" Emperor Hongwu's expression was rather playful. He then immediately changed the subject: "Bring someone here. Prepare a banquet. I want to catch up with Minister Zhang properly!" Chapter 4: The Plot Is Revealed: The Emperor's Cruelty The palace officials held a banquet in the side hall to honor Zhang Zhengchang. The Emperor was mild-mannered and pleasant as they reminisced, starting from the days when he was still the Prince of Wu and how shaken he had been by the Zhang Family’s power and prestige. They spoke of the plague of yesteryears, when everyone on and around Longhu Mountain had rushed to deal with it, solving his troubles. They also touched upon the phrase "Heaven's Mandate has its destiny," which had saved Zhu Yuanzhang so much effort in propaganda, lending his cause a legitimate basis. Zhang Zhengchang humbly claimed he was unworthy, yet he grew increasingly pleased. After three rounds of wine, host and guest were in high spirits, and everything seemed to be heading in the direction Zhang Zhengchang had hoped for. As the Emperor, slightly tipsy, suddenly asked: "Minister Zhang, you have merited the Great Ming; I shall surely reward you richly!" "By the way, what was the title bestowed upon your ancestors in the previous dynasty?" Hearing this, Zhang Zhengchang quickly rose and, after weighing his words carefully, said: "From the thirty-sixth generation of Celestial Masters, whose name was Zongyan, the title 'Successor Celestial Master of Han' has been hereditary!" The Emperor remained outwardly calm, but the atmosphere in the side hall grew slightly heavier. After a moment, he chuckled. "They say those Mongol barbarians are uncultured. Minister Zhang, let me ask you a question: Does the Tian [Heaven] have a Master?" The Emperor's lightly spoken question struck Zhang Zhengchang with the force of a thunderbolt. Zhang Zhengchang's pupils rapidly dilated, then violently constricted. Instinctively, he raised his head, staring at the Emperor in horror. At that moment, the Emperor seemed to have a drunken, hazy gaze, but in that instant, Zhang Zhengchang felt as though he had seen through the Emperor's heart. Zhu Yuanzhang appeared drunk, but his eyes held endless coldness. Zhang Zhengchang was drenched in sweat and quickly lowered his head, forcing himself to calm his emotions. He answered bitterly: "No!" "Exactly. Confucius was the Teacher of Ten Thousand Generations, yet was merely a teacher to men. No one among mortals is more noble than the Son of Heaven. Within the four quarters of the earth, nothing is higher than the heavens. What is this 'Celestial Master' that claims to stand above the Tian [Heaven]? Then, according to the customs of the previous dynasty, should I call you Master when I see you?" Zhang Zhengchang quickly knelt and performed three kowtows and nine prostrations to the Emperor. "I dare not!" At that moment, he could still recall how the Zhu Yuanzhang of the past, when he was still the Prince of Wu, had expressed his reverence toward the Celestial Master's Residence upon meeting him. That passage: "I heard the Celestial Master of the Han, morality resides within, understanding the aid of spirits and gods, between one sigh and one breath, the Heavenly Way becomes dim and the thunderous deities..." Just a few days ago, Zhang Zhengchang had recited this to Zhang Yi in front of everyone on Longhu Mountain. Now recalling it, it served only as a mockery. Does the Tian have a Master? When the peak is reached, decline must follow? Zhang Zhengchang recalled what seemed like a child's uninhibited speech from Zhang Yi, but the more he thought about it, the more he dared not. He no longer had the heart to seek favors from the Emperor. He felt that if he could walk out of the Imperial Palace alive that day, he would count himself exceptionally fortunate! The ruler is like a tiger. Old Zhang truly understood the depth of that phrase only now. A smile played on the Son of Heaven's lips as he toyed with the cup in his hand. He was quite satisfied with Zhang Zhengchang's demeanor. "Minister Zhang, what is wrong with you? Get up. I’m not going to do anything to you; it was just a joke!" Lao Zhu stood up and went over to help Zhang Zhengchang to his feet. "Let’s do this. We’ll drop the title of Celestial Master. Minister Zhang, accept the title!" Old Zhang stood up, but his knees wouldn’t straighten, and he fell back to his knees. "I bestow upon you the title of Zhengyi Successor Educator Zhenren, granting a silver seal, with rank comparable to the second rank." "Thank you, Your Majesty. Thank you, Your Majesty!" Zhang Zhengchang swallowed the bitter fruit, his soul wandering. Yet he still had to remain kneeling to thank the Son of Heaven for his generosity. The Emperor had chastised Zhang Zhengchang, but also bestowed a title upon him. Zhang Zhengchang realized that his trip to the capital had completely become a laughingstock. But, whatever. Old Zhang felt that being able to return home alive was already a great blessing. His only thought now was to leave the palace immediately and find Zhang Yi to ask where he had heard that phrase about whether Tian has a Master? However, fate seemed to be playing a joke with him. The Emperor did not seem ready to let Longhu Mountain off the hook either. After the conferral was complete, the Emperor said again: "Longhu Mountain is a land of immortals. It is said that the Celestial Masters of each generation possess great power. Mr. Zhang’s abilities are naturally not bad, but the younger members of the family are also dragons among men!" The Emperor’s words had a subtle point, yet he stated them casually: "For instance, your Second Son. I heard that he predicted the cause and effect of today’s events?" Hearing this, Old Zhang was terrified out of his wits. In his heart, he nearly cursed the ancestors of Zhang Yi going back eighteen generations. But remembering it wasn't appropriate, he quickly knelt down. "Your Majesty, a young imp is talking nonsense; it can’t be taken seriously!" Only now did Zhang Zhengchang realize the terror of the Son of Heaven. Rumor had it that Zhu Yuanzhang had an organization under him called Jianjiao. The Emperor used this organization to supervise the officials and gather intelligence. The Jianjiao were the Emperor's eyes and ears. But he had not imagined that on Longhu Mountain, hundreds of miles away, there were Zhu Yuanzhang’s men, and that the conversation between father and son between Zhang Yi and Zhang Zhengchang on that day had reached the Emperor’s ears. Zhang Zhengchang was terrified, more afraid than he had ever been. He remembered a phrase his Omen Star son had said: When the peak is reached, decline must follow. But what terrified him even more was the realization that the Emperor's gaze had never left the Zhang Family. Was this a warning to the Zhang Family, or was he planning to settle scores with them? Zhang Zhengchang was trembling with fear. He had stopped thinking about what benefits the Emperor would grant him, and instead hoped he would let him go, let him out. "Your Majesty, you must not listen to my Omen Star talking nonsense. It can’t be taken seriously, it can’t be taken seriously..." Zhang Zhengchang knelt down again, kowtowing and begging for his life. The Emperor, however, laughed: "What Omen Star? I rather think the Zhang Family has produced a little immortal. Why didn’t you bring him along today? I want to meet him!" "If Your Majesty wishes to see my unruly son, your humble subject will bring him immediately!" In his fear, Zhang Zhengchang even used the term 'your humble subject.' Lao Zhu was pleased with Zhang Zhengchang’s attitude but said something that made him even more uneasy: "No need. I happen to want to hear what that little immortal thinks of me. If you bring him along, he might feel constrained. I shall go with you!" "You want to come with me... Heaven is destroying my Zhang Family!" Zhang Zhengchang remembered Zhang Yi’s evaluation of this Emperor, and felt pain in every part of his body. How could Zhang Zhengchang not know the temperament of that little Omen Star in his family? This fellow has no filter with his mouth. If he really said something he shouldn't have said or did something he shouldn't have done... The thousands of disciples on Longhu Mountain would likely face execution. The Omen Star. This child was definitely the Omen Star of the Zhang Family, without a doubt. Zhang Zhengchang vaguely remembered Zhang Yi saying on the mountain that the Emperor was not a good man. Thinking of this, Old Zhang’s eyes rolled back, and he fainted directly. "This Zhang Zhengchang, so he can't handle a bit of scaring!" The Emperor quickly ordered a eunuch to bring Zhang Zhengchang a bowl of sweet syrup water to help him catch his breath. He turned and left the side hall, but a youth was waiting by the exterior. This person was wearing a Gun Dragon Robe, his posture erect, his face handsome and spirited. His features resembled Zhu Yuanzhang’s somewhat. "Father, are you really going to visit that unruly son of the Zhang Family with Zhang Zhengchang?" This youth was the Crown Prince of the court, Zhu Biao. To his son before him, Zhu Yuanzhang let all his defenses drop and showed a loving father’s smile: "Correct. I am very curious—can a boy living on Longhu Mountain really guess what is in my mind?" "He is not an immortal, but he must certainly be an extraordinary person. You shall come with me to see!" Chapter 5: All Are Fatal Questions “Yes, Father the Emperor!” Actually, Zhu Biao was quite curious about that unruly son of the Zhang Family. He had grown up following Zhu Yuanzhang, learning how to be a good emperor. Sometimes Zhu Biao would try to guess what his father was thinking, but all too often, he felt discouraged because he couldn't keep up with his father's pace. When the Jianjiao delivered the secret report about Longhu Mountain to Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhu Biao rarely saw his father look so grave. The Emperor even praised the boy for his talent. Whether the boy was a deity or naturally intelligent, at least the Emperor had kept such a person in mind. “Father, do you think the child really had a dream visit from Zhang Daoling? How you are treating the Zhang Family…” True to his youthful nature, Zhu Biao couldn't help but ask the Emperor a question that really shouldn't be asked. Zhu Yuanzhang laughed. “Why be afraid? Back then, Zhou Dian was also a supernatural figure. Didn't I just throw him into the river to feed the fish?” “Son, the ruler is the Son of Heaven. We can respect ghosts and spirits, but we must not fear them as if they were tigers! What does it matter that he is a god? Your father is still the Son of Heaven! Even if the Zhang Family has supernatural abilities, shouldn't they honestly come from Longhu Mountain and beg me for a status?” “Biao'er, remember this, and never, ever become obsessed with the so-called way of being apart from the world, forgetting your duty as a ruler!” “Your subject the son has received your teaching!” “Enough. Come with me to change into another set of clothes!” The Emperor led the Crown Prince toward a room in the side hall. …… In the side hall, Zhang Zhengchang woke up slowly, his heart dead as ash. The Emperor was nowhere to be found; only an old eunuch was serving him in the side hall. He didn't know what the Emperor was planning, nor did he dare to speculate, but at this moment, his mind was on his younger son at home. “My son is precociously intelligent!” When Zhang Yi was born, he showed a temperament different from ordinary children. At the moment he was born, he didn't cry for the first time. It wasn't until Zhang Zhengchang came in and took the baby that the child seemed to remember he was supposed to cry and gave a few symbolic wails. Zhang Zhengchang felt something was off. Looking up at the sky, he saw a hundred li of dark clouds. Zhang Zhengchang cast a hexagram for the child and discovered his fate was very bad, especially incompatible with his own. Firmly believing in the skills passed down from his ancestors, the shadow of Zhang Yi lingered in Zhang Zhengchang's heart. In the days that followed, he had little contact with Zhang Yi, and when he did, he never gave the boy a good look. So, given Zhang Yi's cleverness, it was natural that he felt his father's isolation. That was the root of the poor relationship between father and son. But now, this child had actually predicted the Emperor's visit and his own predicament. This matter left Zhang Zhengchang's mind in a total mess. Could he have been wrong? Was the child not an Omen Star, but a descendant approved of by all the ancestors? Zhang Zhengchang regretted it until his intestines turned green. Clearly, the Patriarch had used Zhang Yi's mouth to warn him to be careful of the risks facing the Zhang Family, yet he had ignored it. If there hadn't been an old eunuch sitting beside him, Zhang Zhengchang would have wanted to give himself a few hard slaps in the face. “Eunuch, where did His Majesty go?” Zhang Zhengchang had waited a long time without seeing the Emperor. He couldn't help but ask. The old eunuch lowered his head and said: “His Majesty went to change clothes. Please wait a moment, Zhenren.” “Change clothes?” Zhang Zhengchang felt a sense of ill-omen. He was just about to ask a few more questions when he saw Zhu Yuanzhang, accompanied by a young man, walking toward the side hall. Lao Zhang gave a physical jolt when he saw Lao Zhu. The Emperor was actually wearing the clothes of a commoner. What on earth was he up to? “Minister Zhang, what do you think of this outfit of mine?” “Your Majesty, no matter what you wear, it can't hide your noble bearing!” Seeing that Lao Zhu had asked him, Zhang Zhengchang quickly fawned on him. The Emperor spoke with deep meaning: “If that's true, should I change into different clothes? Otherwise, if your son recognizes who I am in a moment, it won't be pretty!” Hearing this, Old Zhang's face flushed red, then quickly lost its color. If he hadn't just gulped down a bowl of sugar water, he would have fainted again by now. The Emperor was going to see his unruly son, and was coming incognito. Moreover, judging by the Emperor's implication, he wasn't supposed to hint at the Emperor's true identity to Zhang Yi? Zhang Zhengchang was all too familiar with Zhang Yi's disposition. This little trickster often made astonishing remarks at home; what would happen when he met outsiders? If he said the wrong thing, the Zhang Family would face annihilation. For now, Old Zhang could only pray to the ancestors, begging Zhang Yi not to pull any silly stunts. “Minister Zhang, let's go!” At the Emperor's command, the guards, already disguised, led them and Zhang Zhengchang out of the palace. They headed toward the Daoist Temple where the Zhang Family was staying. Before long, the group got out of the carriage. Before they even walked into the Daoist Temple, Zhang Zhengchang heard Deng Zhongxiu's voice, full of frustration and anger. “Young Master, Master told you not to wander off. How did you slip out? If you want to go out and play, you can wait until Master returns from the palace!” “Once my father comes back, he'll probably have no mood to play…” The conversation between Deng Zhongxiu and Zhang Yi gave Zhang Zhengchang the urge to die. Seeing the Emperor and the Crown Prince looking back at him with meaningful glances, Zhang Zhengchang's face flushed. He was furious and humiliated. He shouted: “Zhang Yi!” Both Deng Zhongxiu and Zhang Yi heard Zhang Zhengchang's voice. Deng Zhongxiu exclaimed in surprise: “Master is back!” He left Zhang Yi and ran to welcome Zhang Zhengchang. Zhang Yi's reaction was the opposite; he turned around and ran toward the inner courtyard. “Come back here!” Zhang Zhengchang was afraid the little rascal would run off without a trace, yet he also hoped he would. In this state of conflicted feeling, he watched Zhang Yi obediently run back and stop in front of everyone. The Emperor took a look. This child before his eyes was as pretty as a carved jade figure, very good-looking. But his eyes were darting all over, clearly showing he was no quiet sort. Seeing how cute Zhang Yi was, he couldn't help but laugh out loud: “Lao Zhang, is this your Second Son? He doesn't look like you at all. I suppose he takes after his sister more!” “Sister?” Zhang Zhengchang took a long time to realize he was referring to his wife. The Emperor had suddenly become very familiar, which made Zhang Zhengchang freeze. Then he understood the Emperor's intent. This was an act the Emperor wanted him to play along with. Under the Emperor's burning gaze, Zhang Zhengchang squeezed out a smile: “Your Highness… Brother Huang said so!” “Master, who is this gentleman…?” Zhang Zhengchang's disciple, Deng Zhongxiu, looked at the group with confusion, but still paid respects to the Emperor. The Emperor had a good impression of the boy. He nodded. He noticed Zhang Yi was also curiously sizing him up. Without making a sound, he said: “My name is Huang He. This is my son, Huang Mu. I and your father, Lao Zhang, have been brothers for many years. We met here in the capital by chance today, so I've come back with Brother Lao Zhang to catch up on old times!” Zhu Yuanzhang called him “Lao Zhang brother” repeatedly, which nearly made Zhang Zhengchang cry. He had just stabbed me in the back twice, and now he's calling me brother? Even if Zhang Zhengchang were beaten to death, he wouldn't dare to call the Emperor “brother” now. Zhu Yuanzhang's ruthlessness, he had already witnessed in the imperial palace. Thinking back on this man's imperial schemes, Zhang Zhengchang still felt a chill down his spine. “So you are Master Huang!” Deng Zhongxiu bowed again, then couldn't wait to ask: “Master, when you came out of the palace, the Emperor must have given you quite a few rewards, right?” Zhang Zhengchang's mouth twitched. He wished he could sew Deng Zhongxiu's mouth shut. This was a fatal question; how was he supposed to answer it? Old Zhang forced a smile and said loudly: “His Majesty's grace upon our Longhu Mountain is heavenly!” Hearing this, Deng Zhongxiu was overjoyed. Zhang Yi, however, couldn't hold back and let out a snort of laughter.