The sun had just risen when the sounds of people began to echo outside the Prefect’s residence. Some arrived by carriage, some on horseback, and others on foot, gradually gathering around a newly constructed building west of the Prefect’s residence.
Since the reopening of the county school last year, more and more students have been coming to study in Shangdang. The space in the Prefect’s residence’s backyard, which originally served as the school, became insufficient. Eventually, Liang Feng decided to build a new county school next to the Prefect’s residence to accommodate the students. For financially and labor-strapped Shangdang, establishing the school wasn’t an easy task, and it took the entire winter to complete this institution adjacent to the Prefect’s residence.
Now that the school was opening, it naturally drew countless visitors. This was a significant cultural and educational event in the county, and Liang Feng couldn’t afford to neglect it.
Liang Feng, without displaying any Prefect-like airs, arrived at the county school early, just like the other humble students. When he saw an elderly man slowly stepping down from an ox-drawn cart, he hurried over and personally assisted the man, saying, “Master Cui, please be careful. With your presence here, today’s opening of the school can be considered perfect.”
The newcomer was Cui You, and he appeared to be weary from the journey. He calmly responded, “Prefect is too modest. The establishment of the school in Shangdang aligns with the old man’s wishes.”
Thanks to Jiang Da’s attentive care, Cui You’s previous ailments had gradually improved. Despite being ninety years old, his mind remained sharp. Liang Feng had been visiting Cui You’s residence, listening to the old man’s teachings. With the completion of the county school, it was only natural to invite this esteemed scholar to preside over the institution.
Cui You did not reject this request. After declining the position of Three Excellencies offered by Liu Yuan, he accepted the role of County School Doctor in Shangdang. The difference between these two roles was vast, not to mention it was even less prestigious than when Emperor Jin Wu had summoned him, but he accepted the offer. This single decision brought great honor to the county school.
Assisted carefully by Liang Feng, Cui You, with unsteady steps, approached the entrance of the county school. Several lecturers from the school also came out to welcome him. The first among them was a middle-aged man with a clear countenance, exuding a scholarly aura. He is Fan Long, the Literary Libationer1. He bowed respectfully and said, “Greetings to Prefect Liang. Master Cui, please take a seat inside.”
Fan Long, hailing from Yanmen in Bing County, had been a diligent student and scholar since his youth. He was well-versed in classical texts and had a broad knowledge. He had studied various works, including “The Three Commentaries on the Spring and Autumn Annals” and “The Three Rites, Auspices, and Ancestral Records.” However, after years of turmoil in the realm, he had led a reclusive life in his hometown, focusing on farming during the day and studying during the night. It was only when he heard about the newly established library in Shangdang that he decided to visit. A person who loved learning and books couldn’t resist the allure of such a place, and he eventually accepted Liang Feng’s offer to become an academic officer in Shangdang.
Of course, the impact brought by Cui You’s appointment as a Doctor of the school couldn’t be underestimated. His reputation as a great scholar for decades carried more weight than other factors.
Besides him, there were several other newly appointed academic officers. For more than a decade, there hadn’t been any state or county schools in Bing County. Not to mention in these turbulent times with the Xiongnu uprising. The sudden rise of the Shangdang County School, along with its library, gave hope to many scholars. The revival of education and culture was the foundation of prosperity in the region, and, in the absence of legitimate officials, pursuing a career through the county school was a temptation that couldn’t be ignored. These factors combined to create the situation we have today.
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After exchanging greetings, the main gate of the county school was finally opened. Following their teachers, over fifty students, with great respect, stepped into the new institution. Under the guidance of the Libationer, the induction ceremony began.
At this time, there was no formal ceremony to worship Confucius. During the time of Cao Wei, the state emphasized Legalism and strict laws, which suppressed the status of Confucianism. In the Jin Dynasty, there was a resurgence of Taoist and Daoist philosophies, further diminishing the influence of Confucianism. During this era, Confucius had not yet been elevated to the mythic status he later achieved. The 22nd-generation descendant of Confucius had been given the title of “Fengsheng Tinghou” by the court, but this was not as prestigious as the titles granted to Confucius’s descendants in the Han Dynasty, such as the Marquis of Baocheng.
Therefore, these students followed the customs of the time and, under the guidance of Fan Long, the Libationer, dressed formally, presented offerings, and formally acknowledged their teachers.
In contrast to other county schools, Shangdang County School had a broader curriculum. In addition to the traditional Five Classics, it also offered courses in metaphysics, mathematics, medicine, and music, and it even taught students the Six Arts, including horsemanship and archery. Though small, the school aimed to provide a well-rounded education. Watching over fifty students paying respects in the hall, Liang Feng felt a sense of relief.
The establishment of the county school at this time had more than just the purpose of attracting talent; it also aimed to stabilize the hearts of the people. The negative impact of the solar eclipse had left various influential families in Shangdang unsettled. While a wise Prefect was essential, what about a monk who seemed to repeatedly trigger celestial phenomena? Some people began to entertain these thoughts, and it wasn’t surprising.
However, the opening of the county school helped dissipate this unease. Prominent families had no difficulty providing education, but for many lesser aristocratic and commoner families, this was the only pathway to advancement. Flourishing education was a cornerstone of social development. Therefore, when the reclusive Master Cui took on the role of county school doctor and the new institution officially opened its doors, the surface-level unrest immediately subsided.
At times, Liang Feng couldn’t help but wonder if Master Cui was aware of this point, which is why he humbly accepted the position of a Doctor in the county school. However, the support from both the students and the staff at the county school gave him great confidence. Even if the Sima clan had suspicions, it wouldn’t affect the development of Shangdang in the short term. If Shangdang itself fell into chaos, that would be the most disastrous outcome.
After the formalities of the ceremony, it was time for social interactions. After only a short conversation, an acquaintance came forward. Xue Ren, the largest distributor of Liang’s porcelain, approached with another person and welcomed Liang Feng with a smile: “I never expected that at this time, Zixi would host such a grand opening of the school. I’ve come here to recommend a talented individual to you.”
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As the largest distributor of Liang’s porcelain, Xue Ren had a relatively close relationship with Liang Feng. Seeing his appearance and the elegant and upright man beside him, Liang Feng smiled faintly and said, “The phoenix has just taken flight, and the roc2 has already landed. It is my good fortune. May I inquire about the name of this talent?”
The man was not at all reserved and clasped his hands, saying, “I am Pei Jiheng, a scholar of ‘Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art.’ I have a strong interest in the ‘weighted average’ in the book, and I have come here to pay my respects to your disciples, who are students of Liu and Li.”
Hearing this, Liang Feng knew the identity of this gentleman, Pei Jiheng, quite well. He was likely a member of the Pei family from Hedong. Liang Feng smiled and responded, “I have had the privilege of knowing Master Pei’s relatives in the past and have a deep appreciation for the Pei family’s vast knowledge. Your interest in the commentary on ‘Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art’ is truly a fortunate circumstance for me. Professors Liu and Li are currently at the county school, and I will introduce you to them, Master Pei.”
Upon hearing Liang Feng’s courteous response, Pei Jiheng displayed a slight smile on his handsome face and said, “Thank you for your kindness, Lord Prefect.”
This was the convenience that came with social status. The Pei family of Hedong was a prominent family, not inferior to the Wang family of Taiyuan. Even though Pei Jiheng was not an official, he would not be excessively formal when facing Liang Feng, the Prefect. However, facing such a high-standard enthusiast of mathematics during this era, Liang Feng didn’t mind putting on a welcoming face. After all, science and mathematics were considered noble pastimes at this time, and having a noble young man who loved the concept of “weighted average” was something Liang Feng would certainly welcome.
Li Xin was not the most reliable person, but his senior, Liu Jian, was quite trustworthy. Moreover, after teaching mathematics at the county school for such a long time, he had matured in terms of his conduct. When Pei Jiheng arrived, the three of them engaged in a lively conversation.
At this moment, Xue Ren leaned in and whispered, “Master Pei has a great interest in geography. He has thoroughly studied the ‘Six Methods of Cartography’ created by Master Pei. He only decided to visit the county school after reading the printed ‘Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art.'”
Upon hearing this, Liang Feng’s eyes lit up. Master Pei was referring to the late Minister of Works, Pei Xiu, a highly capable statesman who was also a great geographer. He had created the most accurate map of that era, the “Yu Gong’s Regional Map.” The “Six Principles of Cartography” referred to the six principles used in mapmaking, including scale (proportional scale), azimuth (orientation), distance (distance measurements), elevation (topographic relief), direction (slope angles), and meandering (curvatures of rivers and roads). Apart from latitude and longitude lines and Earth projection, he had mentioned nearly all the elements that modern cartography should consider. When two grandmasters of geography met, it was almost certain to spark a chemical reaction!
Feeling a sense of relief, Liang Feng walked along with the three of them, continuing the conversation. Seeing that the others were engrossed in their discussion, completely forgetting his role as the prefect, he didn’t mind and bid them farewell with a smile. Just having Pei Jiheng from Hedong come to the county school was a significant achievement, and whether they could retain him would depend on the capabilities of Li Xin and Liu Jian.
Xue Ren, being a businessman at heart, was very astute and could easily sense Liang Feng’s mood. After they left the courtyard, he said with a smile, “Lord Prefect, you’ve certainly recruited some excellent talents this time. Shangdang may prosper from now on.”
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The county school was important, but what concerned Xue Ren the most was the ability to repel the large Xiongnu army. There were some unusual movements in the left and south parts of the Xiongnu located within the jurisdiction of Si County, and he wondered if they were planning to attack Hedong. His roots were closely tied to the Pei family of Hedong, and if he didn’t take action now, when would he?
Ling Feng did not respond to this remark. He simply said, “In times of chaos, talent becomes even more critical. We owe it to Xue Lang for introducing us to these exceptional talents and bringing them to Shangdang.”
Xue Ren could still discern that what made Liang Feng happy wasn’t Pei’s title but the substantial talent he possessed. Nevertheless, the study of mathematics and geography was considered trivial, not garnering much attention from people. That’s why he was keen to bring Pei Ruo to Shangdang. If Pei Jiheng were indeed the direct heir of the Pei family’s scholarly tradition, Xue Ren doubted he would even have the chance to meet them.
With a faint smile, Xue Ren added, “Your Excellency is dedicated to state affairs, which is truly admirable. However, when it comes to family matters, it’s also essential to pay attention. I observed that Young Master Rong entered the Chongwen Institute at the tender age of seven and has been enduring considerable hardship. It seems there is no one at home to guide him. Your Excellency should consider finding a new wife to share the burden.”
The implication of his words couldn’t be clearer; he was subtly acting as a matchmaker, and the young woman he had in mind probably wasn’t from his own family but rather a relative. What kind of serendipity was this? Liang Feng raised an eyebrow and replied, “Xue Lang speaks wisely. Wang Zhongzheng also discussed this matter with me not long ago.”
Xue Ren almost choked, barely managing a response. Wang Wen had also raised the issue of a marriage proposal with Liang Feng? Did this mean he was considering marrying his daughter to this Lord Liang? Xue Ren had tasted the benefits of arranging marriages, and now that he saw this emerging power, he was not willing to let it pass. He had gone to great lengths to bring Pei Ruo here. Who would have thought that the Taiyuan Wang family would beat him to it? What could he say now? Did he expect them to give up the Wang family’s daughter and marry his own?
With a wry smile, Xue Ren could only say, “Indeed, Wang Zhongzheng is quite perceptive. If Your Excellency is considering this matter, I can rest easy.”
Both of them understood each other’s thoughts perfectly but didn’t reveal them explicitly. They laughed heartily and steered the conversation away from this topic. After a few more minutes of casual conversation, Xue Ren took his leave.
As he rode the ox-cart back home, before he even had a chance to sit down, a melodious female voice was heard from inside. A well-dressed noblewoman quickly walked out and asked, “Husband, have you convinced Lord Liang?”
“Let’s not talk about it!” Xue Ren waved his hand with a disheartened look. “It’s said that Wang Zhongzheng is planning a marriage for Lord Liang. It seems our Fifth Miss may have missed her chance.”
“The Taiyuan Wang family is also marrying off their daughter?” Mrs. Xue, upon hearing this, raised her eyebrows. “This Liang Zixi can really climb the ladder! Nevertheless, in that case, our Fifth Miss should try to get married! Even if it’s as a concubine, it’s worth a shot!”
“That’s not how it works,” Xue Ren snorted. “If he marries Wang’s daughter, any slight hint of jealousy from her, and our Fifth Miss will have a hard life. Can you imagine Lord Liang offending a noble Wang lady for our Fifth Miss?”
This is the barrier of social status. During the Jin Dynasty, there were numerous jealous wives, mainly because many scholars married high-born noblewomen. If the social status matches, it can be balanced to some extent. But if one marries into a powerful family, there’s simply no room for concubines. Leaving aside everything else, Liang Feng is extraordinarily handsome. Can anyone’s daughter be willing to step aside?
“Husband, you’re mistaken. Liang Prefect hasn’t married yet, has he? With a little manipulation, it might just work. Once you enter the Liang residence, do you really think the Wang family’s daughter could push you out?”
“Hmm?” Xue Ren hadn’t caught on yet and looked at his wife.
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With her crimson lips adorned in makeup, Mrs. Xue raised them slightly and whispered in her husband’s ear…
1an official responsible for overseeing literary and cultural rituals and offerings
2a mythical, giant bird of prey
The sun had just risen when the sounds of people began to echo outside the Prefect’s residence. Some arrived by carriage, some on horseback, and others on foot, gradually gathering around a newly constructed building west of the Prefect’s residence.
Since the reopening of the county school last year, more and more students have been coming to study in Shangdang. The space in the Prefect’s residence’s backyard, which originally served as the school, became insufficient. Eventually, Liang Feng decided to build a new county school next to the Prefect’s residence to accommodate the students. For financially and labor-strapped Shangdang, establishing the school wasn’t an easy task, and it took the entire winter to complete this institution adjacent to the Prefect’s residence.
Now that the school was opening, it naturally drew countless visitors. This was a significant cultural and educational event in the county, and Liang Feng couldn’t afford to neglect it.
Liang Feng, without displaying any Prefect-like airs, arrived at the county school early, just like the other humble students. When he saw an elderly man slowly stepping down from an ox-drawn cart, he hurried over and personally assisted the man, saying, “Master Cui, please be careful. With your presence here, today’s opening of the school can be considered perfect.”
The newcomer was Cui You, and he appeared to be weary from the journey. He calmly responded, “Prefect is too modest. The establishment of the school in Shangdang aligns with the old man’s wishes.”
Thanks to Jiang Da’s attentive care, Cui You’s previous ailments had gradually improved. Despite being ninety years old, his mind remained sharp. Liang Feng had been visiting Cui You’s residence, listening to the old man’s teachings. With the completion of the county school, it was only natural to invite this esteemed scholar to preside over the institution.
Cui You did not reject this request. After declining the position of Three Excellencies offered by Liu Yuan, he accepted the role of County School Doctor in Shangdang. The difference between these two roles was vast, not to mention it was even less prestigious than when Emperor Jin Wu had summoned him, but he accepted the offer. This single decision brought great honor to the county school.
Assisted carefully by Liang Feng, Cui You, with unsteady steps, approached the entrance of the county school. Several lecturers from the school also came out to welcome him. The first among them was a middle-aged man with a clear countenance, exuding a scholarly aura. He is Fan Long, the Literary Libationer1. He bowed respectfully and said, “Greetings to Prefect Liang. Master Cui, please take a seat inside.”
Fan Long, hailing from Yanmen in Bing County, had been a diligent student and scholar since his youth. He was well-versed in classical texts and had a broad knowledge. He had studied various works, including “The Three Commentaries on the Spring and Autumn Annals” and “The Three Rites, Auspices, and Ancestral Records.” However, after years of turmoil in the realm, he had led a reclusive life in his hometown, focusing on farming during the day and studying during the night. It was only when he heard about the newly established library in Shangdang that he decided to visit. A person who loved learning and books couldn’t resist the allure of such a place, and he eventually accepted Liang Feng’s offer to become an academic officer in Shangdang.
Of course, the impact brought by Cui You’s appointment as a Doctor of the school couldn’t be underestimated. His reputation as a great scholar for decades carried more weight than other factors.
Besides him, there were several other newly appointed academic officers. For more than a decade, there hadn’t been any state or county schools in Bing County. Not to mention in these turbulent times with the Xiongnu uprising. The sudden rise of the Shangdang County School, along with its library, gave hope to many scholars. The revival of education and culture was the foundation of prosperity in the region, and, in the absence of legitimate officials, pursuing a career through the county school was a temptation that couldn’t be ignored. These factors combined to create the situation we have today.
Advertisement
AD
After exchanging greetings, the main gate of the county school was finally opened. Following their teachers, over fifty students, with great respect, stepped into the new institution. Under the guidance of the Libationer, the induction ceremony began.
At this time, there was no formal ceremony to worship Confucius. During the time of Cao Wei, the state emphasized Legalism and strict laws, which suppressed the status of Confucianism. In the Jin Dynasty, there was a resurgence of Taoist and Daoist philosophies, further diminishing the influence of Confucianism. During this era, Confucius had not yet been elevated to the mythic status he later achieved. The 22nd-generation descendant of Confucius had been given the title of “Fengsheng Tinghou” by the court, but this was not as prestigious as the titles granted to Confucius’s descendants in the Han Dynasty, such as the Marquis of Baocheng.
Therefore, these students followed the customs of the time and, under the guidance of Fan Long, the Libationer, dressed formally, presented offerings, and formally acknowledged their teachers.
In contrast to other county schools, Shangdang County School had a broader curriculum. In addition to the traditional Five Classics, it also offered courses in metaphysics, mathematics, medicine, and music, and it even taught students the Six Arts, including horsemanship and archery. Though small, the school aimed to provide a well-rounded education. Watching over fifty students paying respects in the hall, Liang Feng felt a sense of relief.
The establishment of the county school at this time had more than just the purpose of attracting talent; it also aimed to stabilize the hearts of the people. The negative impact of the solar eclipse had left various influential families in Shangdang unsettled. While a wise Prefect was essential, what about a monk who seemed to repeatedly trigger celestial phenomena? Some people began to entertain these thoughts, and it wasn’t surprising.
However, the opening of the county school helped dissipate this unease. Prominent families had no difficulty providing education, but for many lesser aristocratic and commoner families, this was the only pathway to advancement. Flourishing education was a cornerstone of social development. Therefore, when the reclusive Master Cui took on the role of county school doctor and the new institution officially opened its doors, the surface-level unrest immediately subsided.
At times, Liang Feng couldn’t help but wonder if Master Cui was aware of this point, which is why he humbly accepted the position of a Doctor in the county school. However, the support from both the students and the staff at the county school gave him great confidence. Even if the Sima clan had suspicions, it wouldn’t affect the development of Shangdang in the short term. If Shangdang itself fell into chaos, that would be the most disastrous outcome.
After the formalities of the ceremony, it was time for social interactions. After only a short conversation, an acquaintance came forward. Xue Ren, the largest distributor of Liang’s porcelain, approached with another person and welcomed Liang Feng with a smile: “I never expected that at this time, Zixi would host such a grand opening of the school. I’ve come here to recommend a talented individual to you.”
Advertisement
AD
As the largest distributor of Liang’s porcelain, Xue Ren had a relatively close relationship with Liang Feng. Seeing his appearance and the elegant and upright man beside him, Liang Feng smiled faintly and said, “The phoenix has just taken flight, and the roc2 has already landed. It is my good fortune. May I inquire about the name of this talent?”
The man was not at all reserved and clasped his hands, saying, “I am Pei Jiheng, a scholar of ‘Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art.’ I have a strong interest in the ‘weighted average’ in the book, and I have come here to pay my respects to your disciples, who are students of Liu and Li.”
Hearing this, Liang Feng knew the identity of this gentleman, Pei Jiheng, quite well. He was likely a member of the Pei family from Hedong. Liang Feng smiled and responded, “I have had the privilege of knowing Master Pei’s relatives in the past and have a deep appreciation for the Pei family’s vast knowledge. Your interest in the commentary on ‘Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art’ is truly a fortunate circumstance for me. Professors Liu and Li are currently at the county school, and I will introduce you to them, Master Pei.”
Upon hearing Liang Feng’s courteous response, Pei Jiheng displayed a slight smile on his handsome face and said, “Thank you for your kindness, Lord Prefect.”
This was the convenience that came with social status. The Pei family of Hedong was a prominent family, not inferior to the Wang family of Taiyuan. Even though Pei Jiheng was not an official, he would not be excessively formal when facing Liang Feng, the Prefect. However, facing such a high-standard enthusiast of mathematics during this era, Liang Feng didn’t mind putting on a welcoming face. After all, science and mathematics were considered noble pastimes at this time, and having a noble young man who loved the concept of “weighted average” was something Liang Feng would certainly welcome.
Li Xin was not the most reliable person, but his senior, Liu Jian, was quite trustworthy. Moreover, after teaching mathematics at the county school for such a long time, he had matured in terms of his conduct. When Pei Jiheng arrived, the three of them engaged in a lively conversation.
At this moment, Xue Ren leaned in and whispered, “Master Pei has a great interest in geography. He has thoroughly studied the ‘Six Methods of Cartography’ created by Master Pei. He only decided to visit the county school after reading the printed ‘Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art.'”
Upon hearing this, Liang Feng’s eyes lit up. Master Pei was referring to the late Minister of Works, Pei Xiu, a highly capable statesman who was also a great geographer. He had created the most accurate map of that era, the “Yu Gong’s Regional Map.” The “Six Principles of Cartography” referred to the six principles used in mapmaking, including scale (proportional scale), azimuth (orientation), distance (distance measurements), elevation (topographic relief), direction (slope angles), and meandering (curvatures of rivers and roads). Apart from latitude and longitude lines and Earth projection, he had mentioned nearly all the elements that modern cartography should consider. When two grandmasters of geography met, it was almost certain to spark a chemical reaction!
Feeling a sense of relief, Liang Feng walked along with the three of them, continuing the conversation. Seeing that the others were engrossed in their discussion, completely forgetting his role as the prefect, he didn’t mind and bid them farewell with a smile. Just having Pei Jiheng from Hedong come to the county school was a significant achievement, and whether they could retain him would depend on the capabilities of Li Xin and Liu Jian.
Xue Ren, being a businessman at heart, was very astute and could easily sense Liang Feng’s mood. After they left the courtyard, he said with a smile, “Lord Prefect, you’ve certainly recruited some excellent talents this time. Shangdang may prosper from now on.”
Advertisement
AD
The county school was important, but what concerned Xue Ren the most was the ability to repel the large Xiongnu army. There were some unusual movements in the left and south parts of the Xiongnu located within the jurisdiction of Si County, and he wondered if they were planning to attack Hedong. His roots were closely tied to the Pei family of Hedong, and if he didn’t take action now, when would he?
Ling Feng did not respond to this remark. He simply said, “In times of chaos, talent becomes even more critical. We owe it to Xue Lang for introducing us to these exceptional talents and bringing them to Shangdang.”
Xue Ren could still discern that what made Liang Feng happy wasn’t Pei’s title but the substantial talent he possessed. Nevertheless, the study of mathematics and geography was considered trivial, not garnering much attention from people. That’s why he was keen to bring Pei Ruo to Shangdang. If Pei Jiheng were indeed the direct heir of the Pei family’s scholarly tradition, Xue Ren doubted he would even have the chance to meet them.
With a faint smile, Xue Ren added, “Your Excellency is dedicated to state affairs, which is truly admirable. However, when it comes to family matters, it’s also essential to pay attention. I observed that Young Master Rong entered the Chongwen Institute at the tender age of seven and has been enduring considerable hardship. It seems there is no one at home to guide him. Your Excellency should consider finding a new wife to share the burden.”
The implication of his words couldn’t be clearer; he was subtly acting as a matchmaker, and the young woman he had in mind probably wasn’t from his own family but rather a relative. What kind of serendipity was this? Liang Feng raised an eyebrow and replied, “Xue Lang speaks wisely. Wang Zhongzheng also discussed this matter with me not long ago.”
Xue Ren almost choked, barely managing a response. Wang Wen had also raised the issue of a marriage proposal with Liang Feng? Did this mean he was considering marrying his daughter to this Lord Liang? Xue Ren had tasted the benefits of arranging marriages, and now that he saw this emerging power, he was not willing to let it pass. He had gone to great lengths to bring Pei Ruo here. Who would have thought that the Taiyuan Wang family would beat him to it? What could he say now? Did he expect them to give up the Wang family’s daughter and marry his own?
With a wry smile, Xue Ren could only say, “Indeed, Wang Zhongzheng is quite perceptive. If Your Excellency is considering this matter, I can rest easy.”
Both of them understood each other’s thoughts perfectly but didn’t reveal them explicitly. They laughed heartily and steered the conversation away from this topic. After a few more minutes of casual conversation, Xue Ren took his leave.
As he rode the ox-cart back home, before he even had a chance to sit down, a melodious female voice was heard from inside. A well-dressed noblewoman quickly walked out and asked, “Husband, have you convinced Lord Liang?”
“Let’s not talk about it!” Xue Ren waved his hand with a disheartened look. “It’s said that Wang Zhongzheng is planning a marriage for Lord Liang. It seems our Fifth Miss may have missed her chance.”
“The Taiyuan Wang family is also marrying off their daughter?” Mrs. Xue, upon hearing this, raised her eyebrows. “This Liang Zixi can really climb the ladder! Nevertheless, in that case, our Fifth Miss should try to get married! Even if it’s as a concubine, it’s worth a shot!”
“That’s not how it works,” Xue Ren snorted. “If he marries Wang’s daughter, any slight hint of jealousy from her, and our Fifth Miss will have a hard life. Can you imagine Lord Liang offending a noble Wang lady for our Fifth Miss?”
This is the barrier of social status. During the Jin Dynasty, there were numerous jealous wives, mainly because many scholars married high-born noblewomen. If the social status matches, it can be balanced to some extent. But if one marries into a powerful family, there’s simply no room for concubines. Leaving aside everything else, Liang Feng is extraordinarily handsome. Can anyone’s daughter be willing to step aside?
“Husband, you’re mistaken. Liang Prefect hasn’t married yet, has he? With a little manipulation, it might just work. Once you enter the Liang residence, do you really think the Wang family’s daughter could push you out?”
“Hmm?” Xue Ren hadn’t caught on yet and looked at his wife.
Advertisement
AD
With her crimson lips adorned in makeup, Mrs. Xue raised them slightly and whispered in her husband’s ear…
1an official responsible for overseeing literary and cultural rituals and offerings
2a mythical, giant bird of prey
