Chapter 114: A Taste of One's Own Medicine

It was yet another sweltering summer day. Despite the parasols and the fans, Zhang Ji still felt the heat. He suddenly regretted accepting Wang Wei’s invitation. But since he had given his word, it would have been improper not to come.

The carriage procession departed from Chunming Gate, met up with the Wang brothers, and continued eastward with a grand entourage. Before long, they were met with a refreshing vista of lush, cloud-like greenery. This made the prospect of escaping the heat and enjoying a leisurely outing seem like a fine idea after all.

"I hear some are calling this grove 'Happy Forest' and intend to build grand mansions here as inns, complete with troupes of actors and musicians..." Wang Jin was pointing out the scenery to Zhang Ji when his expression suddenly shifted. He looked toward a figure in the distance. "Wait, is that not Ye Shiyi?"

Zhang Ji raised an eyebrow, turned his head, and indeed saw a familiar figure sitting in the shade of a large tree. Ye Chang, sensing that something was amiss, looked back and caught sight of Zhang Ji’s startled face, as well as Wang Jin beside him.

Ye Chang nonchalantly picked up the glass cup beside him and raised it in a slight gesture toward Zhang Ji. The motion was natural and elegant. Behind Zhang Ji, a group of women drew a sharp breath, followed by a flurry of whispering and chatter.

"Ye Shiyi? Which Ye Shiyi? What a truly dashing young man!"
"It is the very same Ye Shiyi who wrote 'The Setting Sun Is Infinitely Beautiful.' You were singing his song just yesterday."
"Must you sing that same song from last year to this year? Aren't you tired of it?"
"I might be tired of other songs, but not Ye Shiyi’s. I could sing it for a hundred or a thousand years and never tire of it!"

Since Zhang Ji was out on an excursion, it was only natural that he brought his own retinue of female musicians and dancers. These young women were unaware of the history between Zhang Ji and Ye Chang; hearing that the man before them was indeed the famous Ye Shiyi, they grew visibly excited. He was talented, young, and dashing—he possessed every quality to make these young women swoon. Oh, and there was one more thing: he was wealthy. The news of his ability to rake in money at the ball market had spread all across Chang'an.

A vein throbbed on Zhang Ji’s temple. He turned his face to look at Wang Wei. His first suspicion was that Wang Wei had colluded with Ye Chang and invited him today specifically to act as a mediator. If that were the case, he would have to consider whether he truly wanted to reconcile with Ye Chang. However, the look of astonishment on Wang Wei’s face was even more pronounced than his own, which made him realize that Wang Wei likely had no idea Ye Chang was at the inn outside Chunming Gate.

It seemed to be a pure coincidence. If so, he ought to give Wang Wei a stern lecture; there was no need to save face for him. He never once suspected Wang Jin.

After pondering for a moment, Zhang Ji ultimately decided not to approach Ye Chang. In his eyes, Ye Chang was like a mad dog. When one had a big stick in hand, it was fine to beat a mad dog, but to strike when one had no weapon meant risking a bite.

Zhang Ji’s reaction nearly caused Wang Jin’s jaw to drop. He had known Zhang Ji for a long time and understood his temperament: he was not only vain but also deeply jealous. His conflict with Ye Chang stemmed from this very nature—he could not stand anyone who, without the backing of the nobility, could become famous throughout Chang'an at such a young age. Even someone with the poetic renown of Li Bai still had to curry favor with the likes of them to remain in Chang'an. Therefore, Wang Jin had assumed that as soon as Zhang Ji saw Ye Chang, sparks would fly, and Zhang Ji would find a way to drive him out or even have him thrown into prison.

Yet, Zhang Ji was clearly avoiding him. Wang Jin did not mistake this for fear; with an emperor as his father-in-law, there were few people in the world who could make Zhang Ji afraid. So, what was the reason?

In a moment of inspiration, Wang Jin pulled his brother aside and whispered, "Brother, why is Ye Shiyi still here? Are you aware that he had a conflict with the barbarians here some time ago?"

"Barbarians?" Zhang Ji grew instantly alert.

Wang Jin smiled. "Does the Scholar not know of this? The circumstances were rather strange..." He recounted the events of that day in detail, especially how Ye Chang had cleared the Yexi Zhao of suspicion. After finishing, he sighed, "If Ye Shiyi were merely good at poetry, that would be one thing—our dynasty has no shortage of young poets. But to have such cunning? A baffling case was solved by him in no time. Such talent, what a pity it cannot be used by the Imperial Court..."

Wang Wei stared at his brother, who was spouting nonsense. He could no longer hold back and tugged at Wang Jin’s sleeve. "Xiaqing! What are you blathering about!"

The reason Ye Chang was not used by the court was primarily due to Zhang Ji’s slanders. Though outsiders did not know it, the brothers had received confirmation from Princess Yuzhen. For Wang Jin to say such things in front of Zhang Ji was a direct slap to his face.

Wang Jin put on an expression of surprise. "Brother..."

"Hmph, a man of empty reputation. Though he has some clever tricks, they are nothing more than the skills of a petty thief." Before Wang Wei could speak, Zhang Ji let out a cold snort. He then strode toward Ye Chang.

Wang Wei glared at his brother. By now, he understood everything! It was his own brother pulling the strings and orchestrating this drama. Wang Wei was truly angry and anxious. Princess Yuzhen had repeatedly told him that Ye Chang should be treated as a friend, not an enemy. Maintaining a friendly relationship with him would bring great benefits, whereas becoming his adversary meant being targeted by this man. And anyone targeted by him usually ended up humiliated, losing face, and suffering actual financial losses.

It was bad enough that his brother had already taken advantage of Ye Chang using Princess Yuzhen’s name. In Wang Wei’s view, they should have been considering how to mend the relationship. Yet, his brother kept provoking him. Wang Wei had always thought his brother was better at officialdom and social navigation, but when it came to Ye Chang, he was completely muddled. He was unaware of the plans Wang Jin and Wang Yuanbao had made.

"Brother, do not be alarmed, do not be alarmed," Wang Jin said, smiling and patting Wang Wei’s hand.

Zhang Ji walked up to Ye Chang, who remained seated under the tree without rising to salute. Instead, Ye Chang simply raised his glass. "Scholar Zhang, it has been a while."

"Audacious! To see a Scholar and not stand to salute!" one of the sycophants nearby barked.

"I have always heard that Scholar Zhang of Chang'an possesses extraordinary magnanimity and is the best at patronizing scholars, often compared to Lord Mengchang of old," Ye Chang said slowly. "In the past, Mao Sui played his sword and sang, and Lord Mengchang did not take offense at his lack of etiquette. Wang Meng plucked lice while discussing strategy, and Huan Wen treated him as an honored guest... Seeing you today, the reputation does not seem to match the reality."

As soon as these words were out, Zhang Ji knew that his earlier assessment of Ye Chang had been overheard! Ye Chang’s comparison of him to Lord Mengchang and Huan Wen sounded like praise, but it was malicious. He had just called Ye Chang’s skills those of a "petty thief," and Lord Mengchang was precisely the one who fostered such people. As for Huan Wen, though he was famous, he was too selfish, and Wang Meng despised serving him.

The problem for Zhang Ji was that, given his status, he could not lower himself to argue with Ye Chang. He could only force a smile. "What a sharp tongue. Are you the likes of Su Qin or Zhang Yi?"

He began to regret letting Wang Jin’s words provoke him into confronting Ye Chang.

Ye Chang’s eyes shifted and landed on Wang Jin. There was no doubt that Zhang Ji had come here at Wang Jin’s instigation. Judging by the earlier conversation, Zhang Ji did not seem to realize this. Wang Jin, not expecting Ye Chang to have such keen ears, felt his face change color as he realized he was being watched.

"Is that not Wang Xiaqing? We just parted ways at Princess Yuzhen’s villa the other day. Now that we meet again, you do not even offer a greeting—do you not recognize me?" Ye Chang said languidly. "The Wang clan of Taiyuan is a distinguished family of officials for generations, yet who would have thought that you, Wang Xiaqing, would also have an interest in managing the ball market."

Wang Jin was dumbfounded, while Zhang Ji was stunned for a moment before flying into a rage.

Wang Jin was speechless because Ye Chang had not only seen through his intentions immediately but had also exposed his plot to seize control of the ball market without hesitation. Ordinarily, this was a matter of behind-the-scenes negotiation; by exposing it, Ye Chang was damaging his own reputation—Princess Yuzhen was his patron, yet she was helping Wang Jin seize the market! To spill the details of a private transaction so casually, regardless of his own standing... it was the behavior of a fool, completely inconsistent with the Ye Chang that Wang Jin knew.

But this "foolish" move left a bitter taste in Wang Jin’s mouth. This was truly a mad dog—one willing to lose his own image just to tear a piece of flesh from his opponent.

Hearing this, Zhang Ji realized he had been used by Wang Jin. This entire outing was a trap set by Wang Jin to use his animosity toward Ye Chang to deal with the man. Zhang Ji did not like Ye Chang, but he disliked being used by Wang Jin even more. Without a word, he stepped aside, the anger on his face replaced by a beaming smile. He was going to sit back and watch how Wang Jin handled this. He now harbored a grudge against Wang Jin, but he was not Ye Chang; he could not reveal secrets and flip his position so recklessly. If Ye Chang could give Wang Jin a sound thrashing, Zhang Ji would be delighted.

His action spoke louder than words, signaling his stance. Wang Wei’s face turned deathly pale, though he tried to maintain his composure. Wang Jin, after the initial shock, recovered. He stared at Ye Chang with a sharp gaze and laughed.

"You, Ye Shiyi, live in seclusion in the countryside and do not realize how much influence the ball market now has. If it falls into the hands of those with ulterior motives, it will corrupt social morals and invite fraud. I, Wang Xiaqing, eat the King’s grain and must be loyal to the King’s affairs; how can I just stand by and watch!"

"Good," Ye Chang nodded, saying nothing more. Exposing Wang Jin’s face was enough. He needed to avoid Zhang Ji actually intervening to drive him away, which would make it impossible to stay in Chang'an. Zhang Ji wanted to see a show; Ye Chang wanted to see one even more. Humiliating Wang Jin and Wang Yuanbao at the market match was the real goal. Moreover, the eighty thousand strings of cash from Wang Yuanbao had not yet arrived, and Ye Chang already had plans for that money.

"Hm?" Zhang Ji realized there was no show to watch. The mad-dog-like Ye Chang had taken one bite and then stopped, which surprised him. His attention then shifted to Wang Jin’s desire to get his hands on the ball market. There were plenty of powerful figures in Chang'an; what right did Wang Jin have to touch such a lucrative prize as the ball market, which yielded one hundred thousand strings of cash annually? Zhang Ji himself never felt his household had enough copper coins.

Wang Jin realized this as well. The ball market was a bone Ye Chang had thrown out; it had already sown discord between him and Zhang Ji. He laughed again. "Besides, I do not truly intend to meddle in the market's affairs. It is just that the nun Zhijing feels that having long held the reputation of supporting the market, she finds the current chaos this past year unseemly, and thus asked me to offer some advice."

By bringing up Princess Yuzhen, the weight was sufficient, and Zhang Ji’s flickering eyes dimmed.

Everyone had their own ulterior motives. Neither Zhang Ji nor Wang Jin dared to provoke Ye Chang further, fearing he might throw out more shocking remarks that would damage their reputations. Without even offering a farewell, they dispersed.

The monk Shanzhi stared with wide, confused eyes at the group that had come and gone in such a hurry. Seeing them leave in two separate parties even though they had arrived together, he asked, "Ye Shiyi, what trick did you use this time to make them turn on each other?"

"Oh? Even you, Monk, can see that?"

"This monk is not stupid; it’s just that I seem simple while standing next to a cunning fox like you." Shanzhi said something that made Ye Chang look at him with new respect.

"When they go back, there will be plenty of infighting. Good, very good. Finding some trouble for Wang Jin will keep him from bothering me," Ye Chang laughed.

As he said, Wang Jin now had plenty of trouble. The first thing he had to solve was his brother Wang Wei’s complaints. In front of Zhang Ji, Wang Wei could say nothing, but once they were alone in the carriage, he began his lecture. At first, Wang Jin remained silent, letting him criticize, which led Wang Wei to believe he was remorseful.

Wang Jin, already racking his brain on how to dismiss Zhang Ji’s covetousness, finally snapped. "Have you said enough? Do you know anything about the difficulties of life! You are a Hanlin Scholar, a position of prestige, but you do not know the hardship of the harvest or the difficulty of managing a household! Living in Chang'an for a year, for a family like ours, a few thousand strings of cash isn't even enough for the social courtesies! You want to live in Chang'an when it pleases you, and retire to the Southern Mountains when you feel like it. Buying property in Chang'an and building estates in the mountains—all of this costs money! Relying on the income from our family’s farms is simply not enough!"

Seeing his brother’s stunned expression, Wang Jin’s heart softened, and he could not continue. They were close in age, and though one was aloof and the other pragmatic, they had deep brotherly affection and rarely argued. This time, all because of Ye Chang, they were at odds, which only made Wang Jin more furious.

He sighed deeply. "Brother, please help me think of a way to deal with Zhang Ji and get through this hurdle first..."