PDLP Chapter 195 The Glory of a Prince Consort, Years in the Imperial Academy: Even Official Career Turmo
Chapter 195 The Glory of a Prince Consort, Years in the Imperial Academy: Even Official Career Turmo
Time flies, and Zhang Ji has grown into a handsome young man.
His talent and fame spread far and wide, attracting the attention of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang.
Less than a hundred days after breaking up with Xiao Si, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang personally bestowed a marriage upon Princess Ningqin, betrothing her to Zhang Ji.
After 100 days of rapid wound treatment, Xiao Si gradually returned to a normal life.
On the day of Zhang Ji's wedding, Chang'an was brightly decorated and bustling with activity.
Zhang Ji, dressed in magnificent robes and riding a tall horse, went to marry the princess.
After the marriage, Xiao Si heard that Zhang Ji and Princess Ningqin were a loving couple, so she didn't feel any unease.
During the glorious years of the Tang Dynasty, Zhang Ji, with his outstanding talent and status as a son-in-law of the emperor, was highly appreciated and favored by Emperor Xuanzong.
He was granted special permission to establish an inner residence within the Forbidden City, allowing him to frequently serve the emperor and write various articles for him daily, thus becoming a pivotal figure in the court.
The next day, the sun shone brightly, and the palace was bustling with activity.
Emperor Xuanzong was in a particularly good mood and held a grand banquet in the palace, inviting all the civil and military officials to join him.
For a time, the palace was decorated with lanterns and colorful lights, and candles shone brightly, creating a festive atmosphere everywhere.
Zhang Ji was naturally among those invited. Dressed in magnificent court attire, he strode confidently into the banquet hall.
At the banquet, a dazzling array of fine wines and delicacies were laid out. The officials laughed and chatted, toasting each other in a warm and harmonious atmosphere.
After several rounds of drinks, Emperor Xuanzong's interest grew even higher. He scanned the entire room and slowly began to speak:
"On such a grand occasion as today, my beloved ministers may compose poems to add some elegance to this banquet."
Everyone readily accepted the order, and for a moment, the banquet fell silent, save for the occasional low murmurs.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Ji narrowed his eyes slightly and pondered for a moment.
A moment later, a confident smile appeared on his lips. He reached for a brush, dipped it in thick ink, and with a flourish, wrote on the pristine white paper:
"The autumn leaves of the phoenix trees by the Golden Well turn yellow, and the imperial banquet in the garden is filled with glory."
Fine wine and jade liquor flow into elegant cups, while phoenix palaces and dragon towers reflect auspicious light.
With sleeves fluttering lightly, they sing of a prosperous age; with their elegant attire, they praise the flourishing nation.
Today we rejoice in this peaceful and prosperous era; may our glory last a thousand years.
He also appropriated a poem, one that Xiao Si had written for him, which he recalled Xiao Si saying was written by someone with the same name as him:
Last year, when the crabapple blossoms were in full bloom, I wrote poems to praise their beauty.
The flowers bloom as spring has come again, and you have already soared to the throne before me.
Suddenly separated from the vital land of Qingchen, I climb alone to the bright sun and red blossoms.
Sparse branches high reflect the moon over the silver terrace, tender leaves low hold the mist of the embroidered pavilion.
Flowers bloom and fade, a sight to behold; spring comes and goes, a reminder of the fleeting years.
The elegant verses were sung by the people of Ba in the early days, and the exquisite calligraphy is still sealed on the letter from the Shu Kingdom.
We admire his magnificent achievements, while I lament my own aging and graying temples.
"Since messages are carried by orioles and butterflies, do not hope for a sick immortal in Penglai."
After the poem was completed, everyone gathered around to read it carefully.
The poem was ornate, its allusions exquisite, and its imagery profound, vividly depicting the grandeur of the banquet and the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty. Everyone nodded in praise, "Lord Zhang is indeed quick-witted; this poem is truly wonderful!"
"Yes, the poem is perfectly rhymed and its artistic conception is extraordinary. We are all ashamed of our own inferiority." Praises rose and fell.
Emperor Xuanzong of Tang took the poem, read it carefully, and his smile grew even brighter. He nodded repeatedly and said loudly:
"What a fine poem! What a fine poem! Zhang Ji, you are truly a man of exceptional talent. I am very pleased."
After speaking, he immediately ordered his men to bring many precious objects and bestow them upon Zhang Ji. Zhang Ji quickly knelt down to express his gratitude, his face beaming with honor and pride.
In the twenty-sixth year of the Kaiyuan era, Zhang Ji entered the Hanlin Academy as the Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and became a scholar. In the Hanlin Academy, he met many talented literati.
At this time, Li Bai had just arrived in Chang'an and, having heard of Zhang Ji's talent and status, came to Zhongnan Mountain hoping to get his recommendation.
On this day, Li Bai arrived at Zhang Ji's residence and presented his visiting card.
Zhang Ji glanced at the visiting card and hesitated.
Although he had heard of Li Bai's poetic fame, he knew nothing about him as a person.
However, out of courtesy, he still received Li Bai.
After a conversation, Zhang Ji gained a better understanding of Li Bai's talent.
However, he knew that officialdom was complex and that making a recommendation was not an easy task, so he tactfully indicated that he would consider it.
After Li Bai left, Zhang Ji fell into deep thought.
On the one hand, he admired Li Bai's talent, but on the other hand, he worried that recommending Li Bai would bring him trouble.
Ultimately, he did not recommend Li Bai to the court.
Later, Li Bai gained the appreciation of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang for his talent and was appointed to the Hanlin Academy.
At this time, Zhang Ji and Li Bai were both at the Hanlin Academy, and the atmosphere was slightly awkward when they met.
There are rumors that Zhang Ji, out of jealousy of Li Bai's talent, slandered Li Bai to Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, leading to Li Bai's exile.
But Zhang Ji had unspeakable suffering in his heart, knowing full well that the misunderstanding between him and Li Bai was getting deeper and deeper.
During the Tianbao era, undercurrents were swirling in the imperial court.
With the favor of Yang Guifei, Yang Guozhong's power grew day by day.
Emperor Xuanzong of Tang once thought that Zhang Ji was qualified to be prime minister, which made Yang Guozhong resentful.
He kept a close eye on Zhang Ji's every move, looking for an opportunity to suppress him.
In the thirteenth year of the Tianbao era, An Lushan went to the court seeking the position of Chancellor.
Yang Guozhong seized this opportunity and falsely accused Zhang Ji of informing An Lushan.
Emperor Xuanzong of Tang was furious and ordered Zhang Ji to be demoted to the position of Sima of Luxi County.
When Zhang Ji received the order to be demoted, he was filled with grief and indignation.
He knew this was Yang Guozhong's conspiracy, but he was powerless to resist.
Princess Ningqin wept as she saw him off, and the two embraced and wept.
On his journey to Luxi County, Zhang Ji endured many hardships.
His former wealth and glory seem like a dream; now he can only endure loneliness and hardship in this remote place.
However, fate seemed unwilling to let him off the hook so easily.
Not long after, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang recalled him and appointed him as Minister of Ceremonies.
Zhang Ji understood that this was a sign of the emperor's favor towards him, but he also knew that his career path was already fraught with difficulties.
The An Lushan Rebellion broke out, and the flames of war spread rapidly.
Chaos reigned in Chang'an, and people fled in droves.
Looking at the chaotic situation, Zhang Ji was filled with worry.
His elder brother Zhang Jun persuaded him to join An Lushan, believing it to be the only way to preserve the family.
Zhang Ji was caught in a dilemma.
He knew full well that An Lushan was a traitor, and that joining him would bring him eternal infamy.
But he also worried that refusing would bring utter disaster to his family.
After a painful struggle, Zhang Ji finally chose to join Zhang Jun in surrendering to An Lushan.
They accepted An Lushan's false mandate, and Zhang Ji and Chen Xilie became An Lushan's prime ministers.
Zhang Ji appeared to be enjoying great success in An Lushan's camp, but he was inwardly suffering greatly.
He often thought of his days in the Tang Dynasty court and the favor he received from Emperor Xuanzong, and his heart was filled with guilt.
In the second year of the Zhide era, however, his fate was sealed as the Tang army recaptured Chang'an.
Zhang Ji and Zhang Jun were arrested, and they awaited trial by Emperor Suzong of Tang.
Emperor Suzong of Tang was furious at their defection to the rebels and wanted to execute them.
However, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, mindful of their past relationship, hoped to spare them from the death penalty.
Ultimately, Emperor Suzong of Tang obeyed Emperor Xuanzong's order, and Zhang Ji was exiled to Lingnan.
Filled with remorse, Zhang Ji embarked on his journey to Lingbiao.
His past glory and brilliance are now history, and he can only spend the rest of his life in this faraway place.
During his time in Lingbiao, Zhang Ji often reminisced about his life.
He recalled his childhood, the loving times he shared with Princess Ningqin, and the ups and downs he experienced in officialdom.
He knew that his life was full of regrets, and these regrets would stay with him forever.
Years later, Zhang Ji passed away quietly in Lingbiao.
His story, too, has been gradually forgotten as time has passed.
However, his tumultuous life during the Tang Dynasty has become a legend in the long river of history, occasionally mentioned by people, prompting them to reflect on fate and life.