Thank you to fay for the k o-fi~
Since leaving Bing County, Wang Wen and the others, coming from noble households, traveled southward. They passed through Si County and finally halted their journey in Yan County. Compared to the tumultuous states of Bing, Yi, Si, and Yan County, though it had witnessed some uprisings, had at least remained uninvolved in the chaotic battles for the throne, making it a relatively peaceful place to reside. Families either sought refuge among their relatives or settled in their own country estates and farmlands. After some effort, they finally found a stable arrangement.
Wang Wen hadn’t forgotten his friends left in Bing County. Following the New Year, he specially dispatched someone to deliver congratulatory gifts. However, the journey was marred by conflicts along the way, causing a delay in delivering the presents to Liang Feng’s hands.
As for his friend He Bai, returning the favor was only natural. Nevertheless, his response to Wang Wen wasn’t straightforward. Over half a year had passed, and his niece had reached the age of fifteen, an age suitable for marriage.
To wed or not to wed, one way or another, a decision had to be made.
“In today’s world, it’s not like the old days. After the battle in Yangyi, our lord stands on the razor’s edge. Once the conflict between the Eastern and Western Courts comes to an end, and Lord Dongying returns to Bing County, it won’t be easy for our lord in Bing County,” Duan Qin’s words were spoken with great earnestness. If he could marry her himself, he might have already brought Wang’s niece back for Liang Feng!
Liang Feng understood his friend’s sentiments. Things are very different now. Back when he was trapped in Shangdang, if he had formed a marital alliance with the Wang family of Taiyuan when Sima Teng left Bing County, he could have been a formidable obstacle for Sima Teng, the man who harbored ambitious designs, and maybe even the military power wouldn’t be so readily in his grasp.
But now, his power has started to take shape, and he commands a formidable army capable of defeating the Xiongnu. Not to mention the incredible victory at Yangyi. As an emerging force, it can no longer stay concealed. This is not the time to act discreetly as before. Instead, forming an alliance with the noble families of Bing County and establishing a firm foundation is the key.
If marrying the Wang family’s daughter was merely an added bonus before, now it’s almost like a timely gift.
Cui Ji seemed to understand Liang Feng’s hesitation and advised, “My lord, are you afraid of squatters in another’s nest? Though the Wang family of Taiyuan is influential, this generation lacks the strength of their predecessors. Apart from You County Governor Wang Pengzu, there are no prominent figures involved in court politics. Even Wang Pengzu, situated in You County, might not return to Bing County to oversee matters. Forming an alliance with the Wangs now brings numerous benefits and almost no harm!”
However, Liang Feng shook his head, “But he is still from the Wang family of Taiyuan.”
That name carried immense weight.
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Cui Ji furrowed his brows, “Precisely because he is from the Wang family of Taiyuan, it’s even better. Just like my subordinate Wen Lushi, born in the Wen family of Taiyuan, his maternal relatives include the Cui family from Qinghe, the Liu family from Zhongshan, and the Lu family from Fanyang. Does the prince have a surname to rely on now?”
He was referring to Wen Qiao. As a prominent member of the Taiyuan gentry, Wen Qiao’s family connections were quite impressive. It’s needless to say that the Cui family from Qinghe was mentioned, but his maternal uncle Liu Kun was a descendant of Western Han’s King Jing of Zhongshan, and the Lu family from Fanyang produced scholars like Lu Zhi. Such a vast network of alliances would envelop the aristocracy. Offending the Wen family might be manageable, but did Liang Feng want to make enemies with the other major noble clans? This network of alliances was also Liang Feng’s Achilles’ heel.
His ancestor, Liang Xi, was a loyal servant during the Cao Wei period. But their family had always been relatively modest in terms of social standing. When they sought marriage alliances, they selected a prestigious family from the Cao Wei dynasty. However, when the Sima family usurped power, his maternal relatives were implicated. Later, the chaotic rule of Jia Hou brought misfortune to his wife’s family as well. Now, apart from distant relatives scattered far and wide, there was hardly anyone left to rely on.
Such a commander without a background was evidently unacceptable to the aristocrats of this era. Without close relatives and no in-law connections driven by mutual interests, how could he develop and strengthen his influence? Not to mention, he had only one son at the moment, and the thought of unforeseen accidents was unbearable.
Even Cao Cao, Emperor Wu of the Wei Dynasty, was known for his preference for beautiful women and married a noblewoman, Bian Furen, who came from a prestigious family. Not to mention the talented officials with the surname Cao; even the Xiahou lineage, his original surname, produced many talented individuals. Otherwise, why would they not care about the status of his wife’s family?
Compared to that, he wasn’t overly concerned about the Wang family seizing an opportunity. The Wang family was substantial, and they might not be interested in such a small piece of land. And the real power lies with those who wield the military. Based on Liang Feng’s current position within the Liang family, there was no one who could replace him. So, choosing a marriage with the Wangs was undoubtedly a shortcut.
Liang Feng understood the reasoning, but putting it into practice was a significant issue. After pondering for a while, he said, “It seems that the Wang lady is not inclined to be with me.”
This was something Liang Feng had realized later. If she had a genuine interest, she should have come out to meet him when Wang Wen called for her. But using illness as an excuse not to meet was not a good sign. If he had to choose a wife, at the very least, they should be able to tolerate each other. Marrying into a noble family like this meant that divorces and the like were unnecessary. If he were to marry someone he couldn’t stand, that would be trouble.
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This statement left Duan Qin and Cui Ji momentarily puzzled. Inclined or not, what did it have to do with the young lady herself? As long as Wang Wen, the elder, agreed, she could directly marry into the Liang family, right?
Duan Qin sighed, “My lord, you’re overthinking this. How many people nowadays can match your grace and presence? Even if there have been some unfavorable rumors, once that lady sees you, she’ll undoubtedly be won over.”
Liang Feng raised an eyebrow but didn’t reply.
Cui Ji made a suggestion, “If the Lord has such concerns, why not write to Wang Wen and let him know? That young lady is just a branch of the Wang family. Finding a suitable young woman of marriageable age is not necessarily impossible.”
A union between the two families was a necessity, but as for who to marry, it could be negotiated.
“In that case, let’s write a letter first and inform Wang Wen of the Yangyi matter,” Liang Feng finally made his decision.
The situation had changed. This change didn’t just affect him; it was also true for Wang Wen. With the ominous reputation of having caused a solar eclipse, would Wang Wen still be willing to send the lady into marriage? Moreover, in the complex situation of Bing County, it wasn’t necessary to choose the recently matured young lady. If these conditions were acceptable, he should indeed seriously consider the marriage proposal.
Seeing signs of Liang Feng’s approval, his two advisers collectively breathed a sigh of relief. As long as it wasn’t a firm and outright rejection, there was still room to maneuver. If everything went smoothly, in some time, the Liang residence might just gain a new lady of the house.
※
“Yingzheng, General Wu is hosting a banquet tonight. Will you attend?” With the evening approaching, Wang Long leaned in toward Yiyan and asked in a somewhat fawning manner.
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In the present day, only the old subordinates who had come out of the Liang residence would still call Yiyan “Yingzheng”. Yiyan didn’t even raise an eyebrow and replied coldly, “I’m not going.”
“But General Wu has come to Lu City with great effort…” Wang Long had a conflicted look on his face, but he didn’t dare to push too hard. The eight-foot-tall man put on a pitiful expression that, to some extent, was quite amusing.
“Such banquets, I can do without.” Yiyan remained unmoved, rejecting the idea.
He had attended such banquets before. General Wu, stationed at Huguan, was not only closely tied to Lu City but was also one of the earliest commanders that Liang Feng had rallied. Their relationship was extraordinary. Logically speaking, it would be advantageous for Yiyan, one of the governor’s trusted subordinates, to maintain this connection. However, Yiyan didn’t want to join in on the festivities, primarily because there wouldn’t be just General Wu at the feast.
Now, as a fifth-rank county captain with numerous military achievements under his belt, Yiyan had become a figure that the governor’s residence needed to befriend. General Wu, a military man, how much money and goods could he afford to entertain? Moreover, many of those who came were from the aristocratic and influential families of Shangdang, even some small gentry who wanted to establish contact with Yiyan through General Wu.
As for this, Yiyan has always maintained vigilance. He never forgot what his lord had said: a soldier should only obey their superior’s orders. He could be a sharp blade, he could be a servant, but he must not meddle in political matters. Now that his lord had just established himself in Shangdang, if he caused any issues from his side, it would be an unforgivable crime. As for the money, beautiful women, and the prospects of in-laws and wealth that those people promised, he had absolutely no interest.
Furthermore, aside from himself, he also kept a watchful eye on his subordinates. Fortunately, now everyone’s fortunes were tied to the Liang family, and coupled with Buddha’s reputation, no one dared to entertain any dissenting thoughts.
Hearing Yiyan speak so affirmatively, Wang Long immediately deflated, “Very well. We still have drills tomorrow. If you don’t want to eat, so be it!”
Trying to push thoughts of the fine wine and women out of his mind, Wang Long followed behind Yiyan for a couple of steps and suddenly asked, “By the way, will the Lord release those maids who attend to him? Some of the brothers in the camp have their eyes on them!”
Previously, that young lady, Luzhu, unexpectedly married a squadron leader under Sun Jiao’s command. This made many people excited.
She had been the personal maidservant of the Lord for several years! She had a beautiful appearance, a gentle personality, and a dowry personally given by the Lord. She was practically like a daughter being married off. Such a wife would be perfect for a household! Now, the number of maids around the Lord had gone from one to four. If they waited a couple of years to marry, they couldn’t let that young fellow Sun Jiao have all the benefits!
Yiyan calmly said, “They will be released. If there are suitable talents in the camp when the time comes, I will recommend them.”
No one understood the lord better than Yiyan. Luzhu was a maidservant the lord highly valued, and she ultimately got married. Now, it was likely that these young maids would follow the same path. Instead of having these people stay close or even stay with the lord for a long time, he preferred that these young women leave after reaching maturity and be replaced by some unobtrusive newcomers.
Hearing this, Wang Long couldn’t help but be delighted, “That’s great! If they change every few years, it can resolve many people’s marriage affairs! In the future, when the Lord marries a new wife, he should also release some maidservants and handmaidens, right?”
Yiyan tightened his grip on the reins, and his cold blue eyes turned toward Wang Long. Wang Long hadn’t received such a stern gaze from this officer for a long time and immediately broke into a cold sweat, stammering, “I, I just said that casually…”
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“Lord’s family affairs should not be subject to disorderly discussions!” Yiyan spoke with a chilling tone.
Wang Long recoiled and didn’t dare to retort. He found an excuse and escaped in embarrassment. Yiyan, however, didn’t spur his horse again; he remained mounted, motionless like a stone sculpture for a long time.
The lord’s health was gradually improving. As Yiyan watched the blood return to his face and his figure grow more robust, conflicting emotions welled up within him. He both hoped for the man’s recovery, freeing him from the torment of illness and worried that after his health returned, he would follow the path of others, marrying and taking concubines, living a life similar to other high-ranking families.
If the lord took a wife, if someone could touch him with their hands, lips, and body, could he endure it?
His horse let out an uneasy neigh as it lightly trotted. Yiyan snapped back to reality and loosened the reins he had tightened. These weren’t things he had the right to interfere in, nor were they thoughts he should have. But deep within his heart, there was something that kept him restless, sending shivers down his spine.
A new wife?
Forcefully suppressing those thoughts that couldn’t see the light of day, Yiyan shook the reins and galloped back toward the camp.
Author’s Note:
Cao Cao was adopted by the eunuch Cao Teng, which is why he carried the surname Cao. As for his staunch stance on concubines and wives, he never considered their social status, only their appearance. Liang Shao silently nodded in agreement.
Thank you to fay for the k o-fi~
Since leaving Bing County, Wang Wen and the others, coming from noble households, traveled southward. They passed through Si County and finally halted their journey in Yan County. Compared to the tumultuous states of Bing, Yi, Si, and Yan County, though it had witnessed some uprisings, had at least remained uninvolved in the chaotic battles for the throne, making it a relatively peaceful place to reside. Families either sought refuge among their relatives or settled in their own country estates and farmlands. After some effort, they finally found a stable arrangement.
Wang Wen hadn’t forgotten his friends left in Bing County. Following the New Year, he specially dispatched someone to deliver congratulatory gifts. However, the journey was marred by conflicts along the way, causing a delay in delivering the presents to Liang Feng’s hands.
As for his friend He Bai, returning the favor was only natural. Nevertheless, his response to Wang Wen wasn’t straightforward. Over half a year had passed, and his niece had reached the age of fifteen, an age suitable for marriage.
To wed or not to wed, one way or another, a decision had to be made.
“In today’s world, it’s not like the old days. After the battle in Yangyi, our lord stands on the razor’s edge. Once the conflict between the Eastern and Western Courts comes to an end, and Lord Dongying returns to Bing County, it won’t be easy for our lord in Bing County,” Duan Qin’s words were spoken with great earnestness. If he could marry her himself, he might have already brought Wang’s niece back for Liang Feng!
Liang Feng understood his friend’s sentiments. Things are very different now. Back when he was trapped in Shangdang, if he had formed a marital alliance with the Wang family of Taiyuan when Sima Teng left Bing County, he could have been a formidable obstacle for Sima Teng, the man who harbored ambitious designs, and maybe even the military power wouldn’t be so readily in his grasp.
But now, his power has started to take shape, and he commands a formidable army capable of defeating the Xiongnu. Not to mention the incredible victory at Yangyi. As an emerging force, it can no longer stay concealed. This is not the time to act discreetly as before. Instead, forming an alliance with the noble families of Bing County and establishing a firm foundation is the key.
If marrying the Wang family’s daughter was merely an added bonus before, now it’s almost like a timely gift.
Cui Ji seemed to understand Liang Feng’s hesitation and advised, “My lord, are you afraid of squatters in another’s nest? Though the Wang family of Taiyuan is influential, this generation lacks the strength of their predecessors. Apart from You County Governor Wang Pengzu, there are no prominent figures involved in court politics. Even Wang Pengzu, situated in You County, might not return to Bing County to oversee matters. Forming an alliance with the Wangs now brings numerous benefits and almost no harm!”
However, Liang Feng shook his head, “But he is still from the Wang family of Taiyuan.”
That name carried immense weight.
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Cui Ji furrowed his brows, “Precisely because he is from the Wang family of Taiyuan, it’s even better. Just like my subordinate Wen Lushi, born in the Wen family of Taiyuan, his maternal relatives include the Cui family from Qinghe, the Liu family from Zhongshan, and the Lu family from Fanyang. Does the prince have a surname to rely on now?”
He was referring to Wen Qiao. As a prominent member of the Taiyuan gentry, Wen Qiao’s family connections were quite impressive. It’s needless to say that the Cui family from Qinghe was mentioned, but his maternal uncle Liu Kun was a descendant of Western Han’s King Jing of Zhongshan, and the Lu family from Fanyang produced scholars like Lu Zhi. Such a vast network of alliances would envelop the aristocracy. Offending the Wen family might be manageable, but did Liang Feng want to make enemies with the other major noble clans? This network of alliances was also Liang Feng’s Achilles’ heel.
His ancestor, Liang Xi, was a loyal servant during the Cao Wei period. But their family had always been relatively modest in terms of social standing. When they sought marriage alliances, they selected a prestigious family from the Cao Wei dynasty. However, when the Sima family usurped power, his maternal relatives were implicated. Later, the chaotic rule of Jia Hou brought misfortune to his wife’s family as well. Now, apart from distant relatives scattered far and wide, there was hardly anyone left to rely on.
Such a commander without a background was evidently unacceptable to the aristocrats of this era. Without close relatives and no in-law connections driven by mutual interests, how could he develop and strengthen his influence? Not to mention, he had only one son at the moment, and the thought of unforeseen accidents was unbearable.
Even Cao Cao, Emperor Wu of the Wei Dynasty, was known for his preference for beautiful women and married a noblewoman, Bian Furen, who came from a prestigious family. Not to mention the talented officials with the surname Cao; even the Xiahou lineage, his original surname, produced many talented individuals. Otherwise, why would they not care about the status of his wife’s family?
Compared to that, he wasn’t overly concerned about the Wang family seizing an opportunity. The Wang family was substantial, and they might not be interested in such a small piece of land. And the real power lies with those who wield the military. Based on Liang Feng’s current position within the Liang family, there was no one who could replace him. So, choosing a marriage with the Wangs was undoubtedly a shortcut.
Liang Feng understood the reasoning, but putting it into practice was a significant issue. After pondering for a while, he said, “It seems that the Wang lady is not inclined to be with me.”
This was something Liang Feng had realized later. If she had a genuine interest, she should have come out to meet him when Wang Wen called for her. But using illness as an excuse not to meet was not a good sign. If he had to choose a wife, at the very least, they should be able to tolerate each other. Marrying into a noble family like this meant that divorces and the like were unnecessary. If he were to marry someone he couldn’t stand, that would be trouble.
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This statement left Duan Qin and Cui Ji momentarily puzzled. Inclined or not, what did it have to do with the young lady herself? As long as Wang Wen, the elder, agreed, she could directly marry into the Liang family, right?
Duan Qin sighed, “My lord, you’re overthinking this. How many people nowadays can match your grace and presence? Even if there have been some unfavorable rumors, once that lady sees you, she’ll undoubtedly be won over.”
Liang Feng raised an eyebrow but didn’t reply.
Cui Ji made a suggestion, “If the Lord has such concerns, why not write to Wang Wen and let him know? That young lady is just a branch of the Wang family. Finding a suitable young woman of marriageable age is not necessarily impossible.”
A union between the two families was a necessity, but as for who to marry, it could be negotiated.
“In that case, let’s write a letter first and inform Wang Wen of the Yangyi matter,” Liang Feng finally made his decision.
The situation had changed. This change didn’t just affect him; it was also true for Wang Wen. With the ominous reputation of having caused a solar eclipse, would Wang Wen still be willing to send the lady into marriage? Moreover, in the complex situation of Bing County, it wasn’t necessary to choose the recently matured young lady. If these conditions were acceptable, he should indeed seriously consider the marriage proposal.
Seeing signs of Liang Feng’s approval, his two advisers collectively breathed a sigh of relief. As long as it wasn’t a firm and outright rejection, there was still room to maneuver. If everything went smoothly, in some time, the Liang residence might just gain a new lady of the house.
※
“Yingzheng, General Wu is hosting a banquet tonight. Will you attend?” With the evening approaching, Wang Long leaned in toward Yiyan and asked in a somewhat fawning manner.
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In the present day, only the old subordinates who had come out of the Liang residence would still call Yiyan “Yingzheng”. Yiyan didn’t even raise an eyebrow and replied coldly, “I’m not going.”
“But General Wu has come to Lu City with great effort…” Wang Long had a conflicted look on his face, but he didn’t dare to push too hard. The eight-foot-tall man put on a pitiful expression that, to some extent, was quite amusing.
“Such banquets, I can do without.” Yiyan remained unmoved, rejecting the idea.
He had attended such banquets before. General Wu, stationed at Huguan, was not only closely tied to Lu City but was also one of the earliest commanders that Liang Feng had rallied. Their relationship was extraordinary. Logically speaking, it would be advantageous for Yiyan, one of the governor’s trusted subordinates, to maintain this connection. However, Yiyan didn’t want to join in on the festivities, primarily because there wouldn’t be just General Wu at the feast.
Now, as a fifth-rank county captain with numerous military achievements under his belt, Yiyan had become a figure that the governor’s residence needed to befriend. General Wu, a military man, how much money and goods could he afford to entertain? Moreover, many of those who came were from the aristocratic and influential families of Shangdang, even some small gentry who wanted to establish contact with Yiyan through General Wu.
As for this, Yiyan has always maintained vigilance. He never forgot what his lord had said: a soldier should only obey their superior’s orders. He could be a sharp blade, he could be a servant, but he must not meddle in political matters. Now that his lord had just established himself in Shangdang, if he caused any issues from his side, it would be an unforgivable crime. As for the money, beautiful women, and the prospects of in-laws and wealth that those people promised, he had absolutely no interest.
Furthermore, aside from himself, he also kept a watchful eye on his subordinates. Fortunately, now everyone’s fortunes were tied to the Liang family, and coupled with Buddha’s reputation, no one dared to entertain any dissenting thoughts.
Hearing Yiyan speak so affirmatively, Wang Long immediately deflated, “Very well. We still have drills tomorrow. If you don’t want to eat, so be it!”
Trying to push thoughts of the fine wine and women out of his mind, Wang Long followed behind Yiyan for a couple of steps and suddenly asked, “By the way, will the Lord release those maids who attend to him? Some of the brothers in the camp have their eyes on them!”
Previously, that young lady, Luzhu, unexpectedly married a squadron leader under Sun Jiao’s command. This made many people excited.
She had been the personal maidservant of the Lord for several years! She had a beautiful appearance, a gentle personality, and a dowry personally given by the Lord. She was practically like a daughter being married off. Such a wife would be perfect for a household! Now, the number of maids around the Lord had gone from one to four. If they waited a couple of years to marry, they couldn’t let that young fellow Sun Jiao have all the benefits!
Yiyan calmly said, “They will be released. If there are suitable talents in the camp when the time comes, I will recommend them.”
No one understood the lord better than Yiyan. Luzhu was a maidservant the lord highly valued, and she ultimately got married. Now, it was likely that these young maids would follow the same path. Instead of having these people stay close or even stay with the lord for a long time, he preferred that these young women leave after reaching maturity and be replaced by some unobtrusive newcomers.
Hearing this, Wang Long couldn’t help but be delighted, “That’s great! If they change every few years, it can resolve many people’s marriage affairs! In the future, when the Lord marries a new wife, he should also release some maidservants and handmaidens, right?”
Yiyan tightened his grip on the reins, and his cold blue eyes turned toward Wang Long. Wang Long hadn’t received such a stern gaze from this officer for a long time and immediately broke into a cold sweat, stammering, “I, I just said that casually…”
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“Lord’s family affairs should not be subject to disorderly discussions!” Yiyan spoke with a chilling tone.
Wang Long recoiled and didn’t dare to retort. He found an excuse and escaped in embarrassment. Yiyan, however, didn’t spur his horse again; he remained mounted, motionless like a stone sculpture for a long time.
The lord’s health was gradually improving. As Yiyan watched the blood return to his face and his figure grow more robust, conflicting emotions welled up within him. He both hoped for the man’s recovery, freeing him from the torment of illness and worried that after his health returned, he would follow the path of others, marrying and taking concubines, living a life similar to other high-ranking families.
If the lord took a wife, if someone could touch him with their hands, lips, and body, could he endure it?
His horse let out an uneasy neigh as it lightly trotted. Yiyan snapped back to reality and loosened the reins he had tightened. These weren’t things he had the right to interfere in, nor were they thoughts he should have. But deep within his heart, there was something that kept him restless, sending shivers down his spine.
A new wife?
Forcefully suppressing those thoughts that couldn’t see the light of day, Yiyan shook the reins and galloped back toward the camp.
Author’s Note:
Cao Cao was adopted by the eunuch Cao Teng, which is why he carried the surname Cao. As for his staunch stance on concubines and wives, he never considered their social status, only their appearance. Liang Shao silently nodded in agreement.
