Volume One, Chapter Five: The Province and Its Blossoms

“Hahaha, damn those civil officials! Their expressions were priceless—so satisfying, absolutely satisfying!”

From the moment they left the palace until they climbed into the carriage, Zhang Yan felt somewhat dazed, while Zhang Wu remained thoroughly exhilarated.

There was no helping it; just thinking about how those civil officials all looked as if they had swallowed something foul made Zhang Wu gleeful.

“Hey, what about my reward?” Zhang Yan murmured, his face full of confusion and disbelief.

Indeed, after Jiang Zhiwan left a few key ministers to discuss the wool plan’s details, she had dismissed the court session without ever mentioning any reward for Zhang Yan.

Zhang Yan had thought, if not a fortune in gold, at least two beauties to keep him company on either side would be acceptable.

In the end, the plan was accepted wholesale, but not a single reward was given.

With a sharp smack, Zhang Wu tapped the back of Zhang Yan’s head. “You little fool, when are you going to snap out of this idiocy?”

This was what Zhang Wu cared about most; after all, Zhang Yan had suffered from mental impairment for half his life, and no one had expected any hope. Yet today brought such a tremendous surprise.

Zhang Yan touched his head and said, “It happened right there in the Golden Throne Hall—once I saw that imperial notice, my condition just cleared up.”

Zhang Wu scrutinized him a few times, then laughed heartily. “Good, good! If it’s better, that’s all that matters.”

...

One day later, at the Zhang residence.

Zhang Yan was nearly bursting with boredom. Since returning from the palace, Zhang Wu had placed him under house arrest.

Not out of any other reason, but to prevent his mental condition from relapsing, multiple doctors had been summoned for diagnosis.

Only just now had the imperial physician arrived and declared Zhang Yan free of illness, allowing Zhang Wu to finally breathe easy and lift the confinement.

In a place without phones or television, and still forbidden from going out, Zhang Yan was nearly dying of boredom. Now that his confinement was lifted, he was determined to go out and explore.

Especially the brothels—who among noblemen didn’t indulge in the pleasures of a brothel when given the chance?

“Young master, where are you headed?”

Just as Zhang Yan reached the door, a voice called out.

Turning around, he saw Wu Bo, the steward of the Zhang household.

Seeing Wu Bo, Zhang Yan’s eyes twinkled; he realized he didn’t even know where the brothels in Wucheng were and decided to ask him.

So, Zhang Yan smiled slyly and said, “Wu Bo, this young master wants to go for a stroll.”

Wu Bo chuckled softly. “Young master, are you going boating or going for a countryside outing?”

Having served as steward since the establishment of the Zhang residence, Wu Bo had watched Zhang Yan grow up and was well aware of his mental condition.

He was delighted to hear that Zhang Yan had recovered. Such joyful news surely warranted some recreation; whether boating or enjoying the countryside, both were fitting.

Yet Zhang Yan spoke with utmost seriousness, “This young master intends to visit a brothel. WuI'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.