In the late spring of March, as the grass grew lush and the orioles sang, it was the season for leisurely spring outings. In contrast to the bustling cities of Chang’an and Luoyang, Shangdang displayed a rare sense of tranquility. The annual Shangsi festivities, which had continued uninterrupted for several years, were once again being held as tradition dictated.
Having survived an exceedingly harsh winter and toiled in the fields for over a month during spring plowing, the Shangdang citizens found this Shangsi to be particularly significant. Before dawn, a large number of people left the city and made their way to the banks of the Zhuozhang River. The noble families traveled in carriages and sedan chairs, setting up camps by the river’s rippling waters and lush banks, awaiting the arrival of dignitaries for the purification ceremony and spring festivities.
On such a festive occasion, how could the Prefect’s residence miss out?
Once again choosing the picturesque upper reaches of the river, the attendants of the Prefect’s residence had erected tents early in the morning. This year’s festivities were on a much grander scale than in previous years, so meticulous planning was essential.
Leaving the official road, the wheels of the carriages creaked and rolled over the yellow earth. The unique earthy scent of the river mingled with laughter and cheers, wafting into the carriages. Seated on a soft cushion, Liang Rong pressed his small hand against his knee, seemingly trying to control an itch that was causing discomfort, all while maintaining a decorous demeanor like a little adult.
Seeing that the little one’s ears seemed almost attuned to the outside sounds, Liang Feng reclined on his hidden seat and smiled, saying, “If you want to look, go ahead and take a look. It’s rare to be out for an outing; there’s no need to be too restrained.”
This remark intensified Liang Rong’s inner conflict. It was his first time attending the spring purification and spring banquet, and he was following his father’s side. Today, officials from the Prefect’s residence, as well as scholars from various families and the county school, were all participating in the banquet. It was a significant social event. If he made a fool of himself, what should he do?
As if he could sense the child’s thoughts, Liang Feng chuckled and instructed Qing Mei to lift the silk curtain of the carriage window. With an already irresistible itch in his heart, Liang Rong couldn’t resist anymore and crawled to the window after taking a few steps on his knees. He peered outside. They were now far from the crowded riverbank section, but there were still numerous colorful tents and carriages, and the sound of laughter carried on the gentle breeze.
There were indeed many people! The Zhuozhang River in the distance seemed to stretch endlessly, like a pristine carpet laid upon the earth. Numerous waterfowl were dancing and flying in the river, their calls filling the air. This was a rare sight, and Liang Rong was engrossed in taking it all in when the slowly moving carriage suddenly came to a halt.
A servant loudly reported, “My Lord, there’s a broken-down ox cart up ahead, and a few people are blocking the road, seeking assistance.”
Liang Feng hadn’t spoken yet, but more than ten guards around the carriage had already taken action. They formed a defensive perimeter with their horses near the cart, and several of them drew their waist knives. A deep voice sounded by the window, “My Lord, please do not disembark. Let me instruct someone to go and check.”
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Even though he had been promoted, Yiyan still accompanied Liang Feng and served as the captain of his personal guard, responsible for security. When they encountered a situation like this en route, what Yiyan considered was not only a rescue but the possibility of an ambush.
Upon hearing this, Liang Rong’s young face turned pale, and he quickly shifted several inches closer to his father, as if trying to provide a protective barrier. Liang Feng, on the other hand, found this situation rather amusing. This wasn’t some remote road, and even if there were assassins, they wouldn’t be foolish enough to set up an ambush here. Nevertheless, since Yiyan had issued the order, he saw no reason to object. He comfortingly patted Liang Rong’s little head and leaned against the window, looking outside.
In the distance, about 500 meters ahead, there was an ox cart skewed on the road, possibly due to a problem with its wheels, and the oxen pulling it were lowing loudly. Alongside the cart, a few worried-looking maidservants were nervously speaking to the soldiers, appearing intimidated by the commotion. They occasionally glanced in the direction of Liang Feng’s party.
Traveling with the Prefect’s entourage, it was easy to recognize the distinctive style of their carriage. Were they expecting him to come and help?
In no time, the scout returned with a detailed report. After Yiyan had carefully inquired, he informed Liang Feng, “The axle of the cart is broken, and they can’t fix it right away. There are ladies from the Xue family on the cart.”
The Xue family had economic dealings with the Liang Prefecture, and once Yiyan confirmed that there was no ambush, he felt at ease reporting the situation.
“The Xue family?” Liang Feng raised an eyebrow. “Is it a young lady or a married woman on the cart?”
“It’s a young lady.”
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“Instruct them to clear the road and send someone to notify the Xue residence. We’ll proceed directly.” Liang Feng gave his calm instructions.
This aligned with Yiyan’s intentions, and without any hesitation, he gave the orders. Though the ox cart was heavy, in the hands of these soldiers, it was no obstacle at all. The road was swiftly cleared, and the Prefect’s procession continued on its way without pause or ceremony.
Watching the retreating procession, one of the maidservants who had been standing by the road opened her mouth and sighed. She lowered her head dejectedly and went back into the ox cart, saying, “Young Miss, the Prefect has left.”
Inside the cart, a young lady with a delicate appearance, her hair styled in the fashionable “picking flowers” bun, clutched her handkerchief, her expression a mix of irritation and determination. “What are we waiting for? Hurry and fix the cart so we can catch up!”
Who could have foreseen such a turn of events? In their plan, they had intended to stop the Prefect and have him take them to the event. On Shangsi Day, countless nobles would participate in the purification ceremony and spring banquet. If a young unmarried lady made a brief appearance before the crowd, it was sure to attract attention. With a “damsel-in-distress” scenario, other things would have been easier to arrange.
However, despite all their calculations, Xue Wu’er had never anticipated that the Prefect would act so decisively! Upon seeing the broken ox cart, he hadn’t come to inquire but had his soldiers form a formation with drawn blades, preventing anyone from getting close. Learning that she was from the Xue family, there was no intention of extending a helping hand; instead, they sent someone to find her family. How was this assistance? It was clear that they were trying to avoid the situation!
However, such a distant and courteous response would not invite criticism from anyone. When encountering an unmarried lady’s carriage, it was only reasonable to avoid it. Nobody would think that the Prefect was overly unfeeling; they would only see him as a man who upheld propriety. Their well-thought-out plan had no room to be executed and had been completely thwarted!
Was this deliberate, or was the Prefect genuinely such a virtuous man? After her initial annoyance, Xue Wu’er gradually came to terms with the situation. Indeed, he was known as a virtuous official and was rarely associated with any scandals. There were no concubines in the Prefect’s residence, which meant he might not be skilled at interacting with women. This might work to her advantage, as the spring banquet was not ending anytime soon, and there would be other opportunities!
With this in mind, Xue Wu’er quickly adjusted her attitude and said, “Let it go; don’t chase after them. Let’s return to the camp and think of another plan.”
After a pause, she lowered her voice and asked her personal maidservant, “Qi Qian, did you see the Prefect’s appearance?”
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Qi Qian blushed slightly and replied, “The carriage curtain wasn’t completely closed, and I caught a glimpse of the Prefect. He is exceptionally handsome, just as the rumors say!”
Hearing this, Xue Wu’er breathed a sigh of relief and said, “That’s good then!”
The situation had escalated far beyond her expectations. Originally, her father had intended to betroth her to the Prefect as a secondary wife!
Liang Zixi was already well-known in Bingzhou, and her father conducted business with the Liang Prefecture. No one knew more about the Prefect of Shangdang than her. Despite being as pure and clear as white porcelain, the income flowed like a river each year, and there were other avenues of profit, such as glassware and paper production. If this continued, he could become as wealthy as Shi Chong in just a few years. Moreover, he held a noble title and an official position, with looks that were rumored to be exceptional. Even as a secondary wife, it wouldn’t be considered demeaning for her.
But just when she had sorted out the gains and losses and was about to negotiate the marriage, rumors emerged that the Wang family’s daughter was going to be married. Before she had the chance to wed, the news spread that she was not deemed suitable. Upon learning that she couldn’t marry into the Liang family and wasn’t up to their standards, she felt a surge of anger. But it didn’t end there; her mother even suggested that she become a concubine in the Liang Prefect’s residence. The Liang family was not the Pei family; why should a young maiden like her become a concubine to someone of such wealth and status?
However, after days of her mother’s persuasion and counsel, Xue Wu’er gradually came around to the idea. There was a reason for this. It was not only the Prefect’s wealth and status but also the fact that he could repel 20,000 Xiongnu soldiers with the forces of a single county. In turbulent times, wealth and social status alone were insufficient; military power was the foundation. What her mother said also resonated with her. If she made the first move and Wang’s family was displeased, refusing to marry their daughter, or if the Wang girl died early, there might be an opportunity for her to be promoted to the primary wife.
With the convincing efforts of her mother, Xue Wu’er ultimately decided to take a risk and try to seduce the Liang Prefect. However, she hadn’t even seen him yet, and her initial attempt had been a failure. Nevertheless, she was not one to be easily discouraged; instead, it only fueled her determination. As long as this Lord Liang was as handsome as the rumors said, and with a little bit of strategy, what did it matter?
With her mind thoroughly settled, Xue Wu’er no longer felt anxious. She paid no further attention to the servants repairing the cart and instead closed her eyes, carefully contemplating her next steps.
…
“Father, aren’t we going to help that Xue lady?” Inside the carriage, as they watched the broken ox cart getting further away, Liang Rong couldn’t help but ask.
“I’ve already ordered someone to find her family; they will come to pick her up,” Liang Feng replied calmly.
“But…”
Liang Rong wanted to say more, but Liang Feng had already smiled and patted his young son’s head. “Rong’er, don’t worry. This isn’t some remote wilderness. Her family’s camp must be nearby, and as soon as her family comes to get her, everything will be fine.”
While Liang Rong couldn’t understand, Liang Feng knew full well what was happening. He couldn’t be joking. Shangsi Day’s spring banquet was a holiday for family reunions. There was no way they would leave an unmarried lady’s carriage alone in the rear. Besides, if the cart had broken down, it was only proper to send someone to find her family to pick her up. There was no need to flag down other carriages along the way. Didn’t they realize it would raise suspicion?
In the end, it was all a matter of strategy. It seemed that Xue Ren hadn’t given up and was still trying to promote his daughter. However, Liang Feng did not fall for it. Pursuing romance was one thing, but being treated as prey held no appeal for him.
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Putting this “encounter” out of his mind, the carriage continued its journey and soon arrived at the camp for the spring banquet. Surrounded by officials of various ranks, Liang Feng stepped out of the carriage and turned to reach for Liang Rong, whom he carefully lifted out of the carriage. To Liang Rong’s surprise, his father had considered him at this moment, and his young face turned slightly red. He quickly stood still, hesitated for a moment, and then held onto his father’s large hand.
Seeing that Liang Rong’s nervousness had faded, Liang Feng smiled and led his son towards the approaching crowd.
In the late spring of March, as the grass grew lush and the orioles sang, it was the season for leisurely spring outings. In contrast to the bustling cities of Chang’an and Luoyang, Shangdang displayed a rare sense of tranquility. The annual Shangsi festivities, which had continued uninterrupted for several years, were once again being held as tradition dictated.
Having survived an exceedingly harsh winter and toiled in the fields for over a month during spring plowing, the Shangdang citizens found this Shangsi to be particularly significant. Before dawn, a large number of people left the city and made their way to the banks of the Zhuozhang River. The noble families traveled in carriages and sedan chairs, setting up camps by the river’s rippling waters and lush banks, awaiting the arrival of dignitaries for the purification ceremony and spring festivities.
On such a festive occasion, how could the Prefect’s residence miss out?
Once again choosing the picturesque upper reaches of the river, the attendants of the Prefect’s residence had erected tents early in the morning. This year’s festivities were on a much grander scale than in previous years, so meticulous planning was essential.
Leaving the official road, the wheels of the carriages creaked and rolled over the yellow earth. The unique earthy scent of the river mingled with laughter and cheers, wafting into the carriages. Seated on a soft cushion, Liang Rong pressed his small hand against his knee, seemingly trying to control an itch that was causing discomfort, all while maintaining a decorous demeanor like a little adult.
Seeing that the little one’s ears seemed almost attuned to the outside sounds, Liang Feng reclined on his hidden seat and smiled, saying, “If you want to look, go ahead and take a look. It’s rare to be out for an outing; there’s no need to be too restrained.”
This remark intensified Liang Rong’s inner conflict. It was his first time attending the spring purification and spring banquet, and he was following his father’s side. Today, officials from the Prefect’s residence, as well as scholars from various families and the county school, were all participating in the banquet. It was a significant social event. If he made a fool of himself, what should he do?
As if he could sense the child’s thoughts, Liang Feng chuckled and instructed Qing Mei to lift the silk curtain of the carriage window. With an already irresistible itch in his heart, Liang Rong couldn’t resist anymore and crawled to the window after taking a few steps on his knees. He peered outside. They were now far from the crowded riverbank section, but there were still numerous colorful tents and carriages, and the sound of laughter carried on the gentle breeze.
There were indeed many people! The Zhuozhang River in the distance seemed to stretch endlessly, like a pristine carpet laid upon the earth. Numerous waterfowl were dancing and flying in the river, their calls filling the air. This was a rare sight, and Liang Rong was engrossed in taking it all in when the slowly moving carriage suddenly came to a halt.
A servant loudly reported, “My Lord, there’s a broken-down ox cart up ahead, and a few people are blocking the road, seeking assistance.”
Liang Feng hadn’t spoken yet, but more than ten guards around the carriage had already taken action. They formed a defensive perimeter with their horses near the cart, and several of them drew their waist knives. A deep voice sounded by the window, “My Lord, please do not disembark. Let me instruct someone to go and check.”
Advertisement
Even though he had been promoted, Yiyan still accompanied Liang Feng and served as the captain of his personal guard, responsible for security. When they encountered a situation like this en route, what Yiyan considered was not only a rescue but the possibility of an ambush.
Upon hearing this, Liang Rong’s young face turned pale, and he quickly shifted several inches closer to his father, as if trying to provide a protective barrier. Liang Feng, on the other hand, found this situation rather amusing. This wasn’t some remote road, and even if there were assassins, they wouldn’t be foolish enough to set up an ambush here. Nevertheless, since Yiyan had issued the order, he saw no reason to object. He comfortingly patted Liang Rong’s little head and leaned against the window, looking outside.
In the distance, about 500 meters ahead, there was an ox cart skewed on the road, possibly due to a problem with its wheels, and the oxen pulling it were lowing loudly. Alongside the cart, a few worried-looking maidservants were nervously speaking to the soldiers, appearing intimidated by the commotion. They occasionally glanced in the direction of Liang Feng’s party.
Traveling with the Prefect’s entourage, it was easy to recognize the distinctive style of their carriage. Were they expecting him to come and help?
In no time, the scout returned with a detailed report. After Yiyan had carefully inquired, he informed Liang Feng, “The axle of the cart is broken, and they can’t fix it right away. There are ladies from the Xue family on the cart.”
The Xue family had economic dealings with the Liang Prefecture, and once Yiyan confirmed that there was no ambush, he felt at ease reporting the situation.
“The Xue family?” Liang Feng raised an eyebrow. “Is it a young lady or a married woman on the cart?”
“It’s a young lady.”
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“Instruct them to clear the road and send someone to notify the Xue residence. We’ll proceed directly.” Liang Feng gave his calm instructions.
This aligned with Yiyan’s intentions, and without any hesitation, he gave the orders. Though the ox cart was heavy, in the hands of these soldiers, it was no obstacle at all. The road was swiftly cleared, and the Prefect’s procession continued on its way without pause or ceremony.
Watching the retreating procession, one of the maidservants who had been standing by the road opened her mouth and sighed. She lowered her head dejectedly and went back into the ox cart, saying, “Young Miss, the Prefect has left.”
Inside the cart, a young lady with a delicate appearance, her hair styled in the fashionable “picking flowers” bun, clutched her handkerchief, her expression a mix of irritation and determination. “What are we waiting for? Hurry and fix the cart so we can catch up!”
Who could have foreseen such a turn of events? In their plan, they had intended to stop the Prefect and have him take them to the event. On Shangsi Day, countless nobles would participate in the purification ceremony and spring banquet. If a young unmarried lady made a brief appearance before the crowd, it was sure to attract attention. With a “damsel-in-distress” scenario, other things would have been easier to arrange.
However, despite all their calculations, Xue Wu’er had never anticipated that the Prefect would act so decisively! Upon seeing the broken ox cart, he hadn’t come to inquire but had his soldiers form a formation with drawn blades, preventing anyone from getting close. Learning that she was from the Xue family, there was no intention of extending a helping hand; instead, they sent someone to find her family. How was this assistance? It was clear that they were trying to avoid the situation!
However, such a distant and courteous response would not invite criticism from anyone. When encountering an unmarried lady’s carriage, it was only reasonable to avoid it. Nobody would think that the Prefect was overly unfeeling; they would only see him as a man who upheld propriety. Their well-thought-out plan had no room to be executed and had been completely thwarted!
Was this deliberate, or was the Prefect genuinely such a virtuous man? After her initial annoyance, Xue Wu’er gradually came to terms with the situation. Indeed, he was known as a virtuous official and was rarely associated with any scandals. There were no concubines in the Prefect’s residence, which meant he might not be skilled at interacting with women. This might work to her advantage, as the spring banquet was not ending anytime soon, and there would be other opportunities!
With this in mind, Xue Wu’er quickly adjusted her attitude and said, “Let it go; don’t chase after them. Let’s return to the camp and think of another plan.”
After a pause, she lowered her voice and asked her personal maidservant, “Qi Qian, did you see the Prefect’s appearance?”
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AD
Qi Qian blushed slightly and replied, “The carriage curtain wasn’t completely closed, and I caught a glimpse of the Prefect. He is exceptionally handsome, just as the rumors say!”
Hearing this, Xue Wu’er breathed a sigh of relief and said, “That’s good then!”
The situation had escalated far beyond her expectations. Originally, her father had intended to betroth her to the Prefect as a secondary wife!
Liang Zixi was already well-known in Bingzhou, and her father conducted business with the Liang Prefecture. No one knew more about the Prefect of Shangdang than her. Despite being as pure and clear as white porcelain, the income flowed like a river each year, and there were other avenues of profit, such as glassware and paper production. If this continued, he could become as wealthy as Shi Chong in just a few years. Moreover, he held a noble title and an official position, with looks that were rumored to be exceptional. Even as a secondary wife, it wouldn’t be considered demeaning for her.
But just when she had sorted out the gains and losses and was about to negotiate the marriage, rumors emerged that the Wang family’s daughter was going to be married. Before she had the chance to wed, the news spread that she was not deemed suitable. Upon learning that she couldn’t marry into the Liang family and wasn’t up to their standards, she felt a surge of anger. But it didn’t end there; her mother even suggested that she become a concubine in the Liang Prefect’s residence. The Liang family was not the Pei family; why should a young maiden like her become a concubine to someone of such wealth and status?
However, after days of her mother’s persuasion and counsel, Xue Wu’er gradually came around to the idea. There was a reason for this. It was not only the Prefect’s wealth and status but also the fact that he could repel 20,000 Xiongnu soldiers with the forces of a single county. In turbulent times, wealth and social status alone were insufficient; military power was the foundation. What her mother said also resonated with her. If she made the first move and Wang’s family was displeased, refusing to marry their daughter, or if the Wang girl died early, there might be an opportunity for her to be promoted to the primary wife.
With the convincing efforts of her mother, Xue Wu’er ultimately decided to take a risk and try to seduce the Liang Prefect. However, she hadn’t even seen him yet, and her initial attempt had been a failure. Nevertheless, she was not one to be easily discouraged; instead, it only fueled her determination. As long as this Lord Liang was as handsome as the rumors said, and with a little bit of strategy, what did it matter?
With her mind thoroughly settled, Xue Wu’er no longer felt anxious. She paid no further attention to the servants repairing the cart and instead closed her eyes, carefully contemplating her next steps.
…
“Father, aren’t we going to help that Xue lady?” Inside the carriage, as they watched the broken ox cart getting further away, Liang Rong couldn’t help but ask.
“I’ve already ordered someone to find her family; they will come to pick her up,” Liang Feng replied calmly.
“But…”
Liang Rong wanted to say more, but Liang Feng had already smiled and patted his young son’s head. “Rong’er, don’t worry. This isn’t some remote wilderness. Her family’s camp must be nearby, and as soon as her family comes to get her, everything will be fine.”
While Liang Rong couldn’t understand, Liang Feng knew full well what was happening. He couldn’t be joking. Shangsi Day’s spring banquet was a holiday for family reunions. There was no way they would leave an unmarried lady’s carriage alone in the rear. Besides, if the cart had broken down, it was only proper to send someone to find her family to pick her up. There was no need to flag down other carriages along the way. Didn’t they realize it would raise suspicion?
In the end, it was all a matter of strategy. It seemed that Xue Ren hadn’t given up and was still trying to promote his daughter. However, Liang Feng did not fall for it. Pursuing romance was one thing, but being treated as prey held no appeal for him.
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Putting this “encounter” out of his mind, the carriage continued its journey and soon arrived at the camp for the spring banquet. Surrounded by officials of various ranks, Liang Feng stepped out of the carriage and turned to reach for Liang Rong, whom he carefully lifted out of the carriage. To Liang Rong’s surprise, his father had considered him at this moment, and his young face turned slightly red. He quickly stood still, hesitated for a moment, and then held onto his father’s large hand.
Seeing that Liang Rong’s nervousness had faded, Liang Feng smiled and led his son towards the approaching crowd.
