Chapter 048: Young Master Zhang Zhong

No one answered from inside the room. Cao Si waited a moment, then knocked again.

“Master, Cao—”

Before Cao Si could finish, a furious shout erupted from within: “Who dares disturb my sleep? Get lost!”

Zhang Zhong’s temper was notorious throughout the Duke’s mansion. Cao Si had heard as much, and when Zhang Zhong raged, he felt an urge to retreat. Yet, now he carried a critical mission—if he left, the consequences would be dire.

Cao Si hesitated, then clenched his teeth and called out, “Master, something terrible has happened in the mansion. You must wake up!”

Perhaps it was Cao Si’s repeated insistence that made Zhang Zhong realize this time was different. He rustled about, dressing himself.

Creak—

The door swung open. Zhang Zhong, bleary-eyed, stood inside, casting a few glances at Cao Si and frowning, “Why is it you? What’s happened?”

Cao Si inadvertently glanced inside and was startled by the scene—unsuitable for children—quickly lowering his head, not daring to look further.

“Master, two days ago the imperial army suffered a catastrophic defeat at Tumu Fortress. Two hundred thousand troops were annihilated; His Majesty was captured by the Oirat, and the officials who accompanied him were slaughtered. Even the Duke—”

“My father—what happened to him?”

Hearing this, Zhang Zhong’s expression changed drastically.

Cao Si, face contorted in grief, wailed, “Master, the Duke sacrificed his life for the country…”

“Are you telling the truth? Where did you hear of the Duke’s death?”

Zhang Zhong grabbed Cao Si’s collar, urgently demanding answers.

If Xue Rui were present, he would notice Zhang Zhong’s left hand was oddly shaped—like an oversized chicken claw, utterly unmatched with the right. It wasn’t an injury, but a congenital defect from birth; his left hand could only perform simple movements, useless otherwise. This was why Zhang Fu loathed him.

“Master, news of the defeat has spread throughout the capital. The Duke’s death was reported by General Yang Hong of Xuanfu, written in the military dispatch. Among the dead are also Lord Chen Huai, Grand Secretary Cao Nai, Minister Kuang Ye…”

Zhang Zhong barely listened to the list of names. He released Cao Si, staggered into the courtyard, and stared blankly at the sky, as if his soul had been stripped away.

“Ha… ha ha… hahahahaha…”

After gazing for a dozen breaths, Zhang Zhong suddenly burst into laughter, wild and manic.

Servants who rushed over looked on in terror, unsure what had happened.

Cao Si was bewildered; Zhang Zhong seemed almost happy at the news of the Duke’s death.

“Cough, cough…”

After a long bout of laughter, Zhang Zhong struggled for breath and collapsed to the ground, coughing violently.

When he finally caught his breath, he slapped the earth and shouted hysterically, “Old bastard, who would have thought you’d meet your end! I’ve cowered all these years, and now I don’t have to suffer your curses anymore! You died too late!”

The servants were stunned at his words.

Cao Si couldn’t help but think, just as the Lady had said, Zhang Zhong was truly a beast—rejoicing at his own father’s death. If he inherited the title, there would be no place for him in the Duke of England’s mansion.

With this thought, Cao Si’s resolve to remain a spy grew stronger.

Seeing Zhang Zhong still ranting, Cao Si hurried forward to remind him, “Master, you mustn’t curse any longer. If word gets out, the court will surely look upon you unfavorably!”

Zhang Zhong, caught up in his tirade, paused, then realized his father had just died and the title had not yet officially passed to him. If rumors of his lack of filial piety spread, the inheritance might be jeopardized.

“Yes, yes, I mustn’t celebrate too soon. I need to appear sorrowful, show filial devotion… Father, you died so tragically. Your unworthy son couldn’t see you off… Alas!”

Zhang Zhong’s expression shifted. He feigned grief and wailed in the courtyard.

Cao Si suppressed the urge to roll his eyes and ordered the surrounding servants, “No one is allowed to utter a word about what just happened. Otherwise, you’ll be beaten to death. The Duke has passed—start mourning! Duke, you spent your life on the battlefield, yet met no good end. Heaven is unjust!”

“Wuu, Duke…”

With this prompt, the servants of the western side joined in, howling with their master.

After a while, the atmosphere grew mournful.

Zhang Zhong wiped nonexistent tears and staggered back toward his room. As he passed Cao Si, he muttered, “Come in with me.”

Cao Si’s heart tightened—he knew the crucial moment had come.

Inside, Zhang Zhong went into the bedroom and woke the brothel girls, urging them to dress and leave quickly. With funeral arrangements underway, any more debauchery would be scandalous.

Once the girls had received their rewards and left happily, Zhang Zhong turned a cold gaze on Cao Si.

Cao Si hurriedly adopted a submissive posture. “Master, do you have instructions for me?”

“Did the Lady send you?”

Zhang Zhong’s first question nearly made Cao Si lose composure.

“No, not exactly. The Lady received the news but forgot to inform you. I thought such a grave matter must be reported to you, so I hurried over.” Cao Si suppressed his panic and put on a fawning expression.

“I think she meant to conceal it from me. Did you come here under her orders?”

Zhang Zhong was no fool. The defeat at Tumu Fortress had happened days ago, yet he’d heard nothing. Aside from his own indulgence, he suspected Madame Wu had deliberately blocked the news.

Cao Si had always been Wu’s confidant and rarely interacted with him, so his sudden turnabout was strange.

Upon hearing this, Cao Si fell to his knees, sobbing, “Master, you wrong me. My actions are out of loyalty to the Duke’s mansion. Now that the Duke is gone, the mansion will be under your command. Naturally, I must look to you in the future.

As for the Lady, to be blunt, if you’re pleased, she can continue to oversee the household. If not, she can stay out of the way. Only by serving you do I have prospects.”

Such a blatant declaration of loyalty amused Zhang Zhong. He kicked the kneeling Cao Si, sending him sprawling, and mocked him, “How quick you are to switch sides! Waiting for the house to fall before warming my stove. Is there anyone more shameless than you?”

“Heh, Master jests. I am simply turning to the light, so please don’t ridicule me.” Cao Si forced a smile, suppressing his indignation.

“So be it. I need people now. As long as you help me, I won’t treat you poorly.”

Though he spoke kindly, Zhang Zhong’s heart burned with malice.

Only now did you come to curry favor when I’m rising—too late. Once I have my own trusted men, I’ll deal with you and that woman together!

“Master’s magnanimity! I shall repay it with my life!”

“That’s all I need to hear.”

Zhang Zhong laughed heartily, then recalled the earlier matter. “By the way, you said the army was defeated—what else?”