The Expansion of Relationships
The mansion granted by the Governor of Lujiang, Liu Xun, overflowed with beautiful women. Every one of them had once been a concubine of Yuan Shu. At the center of the household stood its true matriarch: Lady Jin, a refined noblewoman in her early forties whose bearing spoke of old money and quiet dignity.
Yuan Shu had kept dozens of concubines and, after declaring himself Emperor of the Zhong Dynasty, two principal wives. One was Lady Jin, cousin to Jin Yu, the former Inspector of Yangzhou. The other was Lady Liu, from the imperial Liu clan. Lady Jin’s cousin, Jin Yu, was a kinsman of the Xuzhou magnate Chen Gui and an uncle to Chen Deng. Perhaps that lineage explained why she had once worn the crown of Empress. As a daughter of the illustrious Jin clan, she possessed the kind of noble composure that suited marriage into the Yuan family.
“Aunt, the situation is already decided,” I said. “We could not save Uncle Gonglu’s life. But those of you gathered here need not die. If you agree never to set foot in the Central Plains again and instead withdraw to the distant frontiers, I can spare you.”
When Yang Xiu stepped forward to deliver the persuasion himself, Lady Jin let out a long, weary sigh.
“My daughter… is she safe?”
“She is living very well in the capital.”
“I heard you were the one who took her in.”
“She was a prisoner of war. Thanks to the Chancellor’s mercy, she escaped execution, and I brought her into my household.”
“Then that, too, must be her fate. Cao Xiu, was it? Please cherish my daughter.”
“I will.”
Beside her stood a young man who kept stealing glances at me. This was Yuan Yao, the older brother Yuan Jing had begged me to spare and the last male heir of Yuan Shu’s bloodline.
“So you are Yuan Boyang. This is the first time I’ve seen you up close.”
“What are you babbling about?”
“You really don’t remember me? Our first meeting was in Xuzhou, where we led cavalry against each other in single combat. The second time was at Chuxian, where I chased you through the mountains at the head of the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry.”
Yuan Yao’s face drained of color. His finger trembled as he pointed at me.
“Y-you… you were that demonic cavalry commander with the ghostly spear skills?”
“At my wife’s earnest plea, I promised to spare your life as well. But you will never again be allowed to return to the Central Plains.”
“Ugh…”
Yuan Yao ground his teeth in helpless fury before lowering his head. When I thought about it, the man truly had a tenacious life. I’d had three clear chances to kill him—once in Xuzhou, once at Chuxian, once at Shuchun—yet he had slipped away each time. And now he would live again.
“Then it seems we must move house once more,” Lady Jin murmured, “and lead all these people with us.”
As she sighed again, Yang Xiu offered her the box he had brought.
“Aunt, it is a small sum, but it should cover the cost of relocation.”
“What is this?”
Yang Xiu had prepared thoroughly. Inside the jewel-box-sized container lay gleaming ingots of gold.
“My mother was quite close to Uncle. She prepared this because she pitied the remaining family. With this much, you can purchase a fine house and fields in the south. It should be more than enough for everyone here to live comfortably.”
Lady Jin remained silent. Yang Xiu then produced an envelope made of expensive paper rather than ordinary bamboo slips.
“This is a promissory note from my father, drawable through any of the major merchant guilds. Consider it a foundation for your new beginning.”
“Very well.”
In the end, the Yuan clan would leave Lujiang and seek a new home. After five days of camping and persuasion, they had accepted the offer. They would head south to Yangzhou and live out their remaining years in quiet obscurity.
“Thank you, Aunt. Please look after your health.”
Yang Xiu bowed deeply. Lady Jin returned the nod, then turned her gaze to me.
“You are called Xiu, yes? It seems I have gained a son-in-law after all.”
The word “mother-in-law” never left her lips. She knew it, and I knew it. Instead she simply nodded once more and spoke.
“You intend to win over the noble families of Lujiang, do you not? Just as Dezuo described.”
“That is correct.”
“We have not been here long, but if that is your goal, then you should seek out Qiao Gong. He is the strongest power in Lujiang after Governor Liu. His family is also prestigious. They produced Qiao Xuan, who served as both Minister of Works and Grand Commandant, and Qiao Yu, a general who once served my husband, came from the same house.”
The Qiao clan was far more impressive than I had imagined. Even Qiao Yu, the man Guan Yu had captured, belonged to them. And speaking of Qiao Gong naturally brought the Qiao sisters to mind.
“Rather than courting all ten noble houses, securing the support of the Qiao family alone would be enough. Go and see them.”
“Thank you for the advice.”
With that, our connection to the Yuan family came to an end.
When we stepped outside, Yang Xiu still wore a triumphant expression. His talent was undeniable, but the man desperately needed to learn how to read a room. The moment an idea flashed through that brilliant head of his, he spat it out without considering his surroundings. I would have to correct that habit thoroughly in the days to come.
“Colonel, today has been a series of truly meaningful meetings.”
“We’re about to have one more.”
“You intend to visit Qiao Gong immediately after hearing his name. As expected, you are diligent.”
It was late at night, yet finding Qiao Gong’s residence was not difficult. It was the largest mansion in Lujiang, and every lantern burned brightly. We knocked. When I announced myself, a servant hurried inside. Moments later we were ushered in with great courtesy.
“A distinguished guest arrives at this late hour?”
“I am Cao Xiu of the Cao clan from Qiao County. I have come to pay my respects to Lord Qiao.”
“What are you all standing around for? Go catch the chickens left in the coop, bring a fresh jar of wine, and prepare a proper table!”
“Yes, my lord!”
“Though I could not reach the capital myself, I have followed its news with great interest. I hold Chancellor Cao in the highest esteem.”
“I am sincerely grateful for your warm reception.”
“While the table is being prepared, please make yourselves comfortable. Your companion there should eat and drink his fill as well.”
Qiao Gong invited both Yang Xiu and me inside, then rushed toward the kitchen himself, urging the servants to hurry.
“He seems like someone we can speak with easily,” I murmured.
“The Chancellor’s reputation has reached even this far. Persuading Lord Qiao should not be difficult.”
“Well, we’ll have to talk it through step by step… Hm?”
While waiting in the garden, I noticed two women peeking over the far wall. Even in the darkness their features stood out: one with reddish hair and fierce eyes, the other with the same striking hair and large, innocent puppy-like eyes. The moment our gazes met they ducked back behind the wall.
“Hmm.”
“Colonel? Is something wrong?”
“I once heard from Uncle Zilong about the beauties of Jiangnan. Do some of them have red hair?”
“Ah, it does happen occasionally. Sun Wentai, father of Sun Bofu—the man once called the Tiger of Jiangdong and now occupying Yangzhou—is recorded as having dark red hair and a crimson beard.”
So that was where Sun Quan got it from. Sun Jian must have looked similar. I had never seen either man’s face, but the nickname “Red Beard” suddenly made perfect sense. Those two girls beyond the wall clearly took after their father.
Soon the aroma of delicious food drifted over, and Qiao Gong called us into the inner hall. Individual tables were set before us, laden with freshly cooked chicken and jars of wine.
“It is nothing special, but please enjoy yourselves.”
“Thank you, Lord Qiao.”
Qiao Gong nodded, looking pleased.
“Now then. A visit this late at night surely means you have important business to discuss?”
“Today I was received by Governor Liu, met the envoy from Jiangdong, and visited the remaining members of the Yuan family before coming here.”
“My, then you have already met everyone worth meeting.”
“Lady Jin of the Yuan family told me that in Lujiang, once I secured your support after Governor Liu’s, everything would be settled.”
“Haha, that lady spoke out of turn.”
“The friend beside me is the maternal nephew of the Yuan clan.”
“Oh! Yang Dezuo, is it? I have heard much about Grand Commandant Yang.”
“You honor me.”
The conversation flowed warmly as we spoke of our families over wine. Qiao Gong showed interest in both of us, asking many questions.
“So, how old are Dezuo and Xiu?”
“I will turn twenty-six next year. Dezuo is one year younger.”
“Both of you must be married, then?”
“I have three wives and concubines. My friend here recently became a father.”
“As expected. Both of you possess fine features and the aura of heroes. No wonder noble families would want to claim you as sons-in-law.”
Qiao Gong kept refilling our cups. Then the real discussion began.
“So—what is it you want from me?”
“Governor Liu finds himself unable to manage the people and nobles under his control. He is torn between the Sun family of Jiangdong and the court at the capital.”
“Hoo. So swallowing every nearby power has finally given him indigestion. Tsk, tsk.”
Qiao Gong stroked his lush beard and nodded.
“Therefore, this person wishes for you to lend your support to Chancellor Cao.”
“And what do I receive in return?”
The negotiation passed smoothly into Yang Xiu’s hands.
“Governor Liu’s family will be granted new offices by the court. Many noble houses will scatter to Jingzhou, Yangzhou, and Yuzhou. In such a situation, Lujiang will need a capable administrator.”
“Are you suggesting I will succeed Liu Xun as Governor of Lujiang?”
“There will naturally be follow-up measures for the region as well.”
Qiao Gong fell silent, deep in thought. The position of Governor had been one of the topics Cao Cao discussed with me before I came here. If we cannot conquer Liu Xun’s forces through war, summon his family to the capital and recommend a suitable local noble as administrator. If he desires more than the governorship, tell him we can also prepare the nominal post of Inspector of Yangzhou.
Originally the Inspector of Yangzhou had been Liu Yao, an imperial clansman like Liu Biao, Liu Yan, and Liu Bei. After Liu Yao’s destruction at Sun Ce’s hands and the loss of his seal, the court had to create the position anew.
“Dezuo, I will speak from here.”
“Yes, Colonel.”
I decided to push further. With Lu Su’s presence in the background, there was no need for delicate give-and-take. Better to present an offer that could not be refused.
“Lord Qiao, I have heard that the Qiao family is a prestigious house whose name reaches even the imperial court. Beginning with Elder Qiao Xuan, who rose to the positions of Minister of Works and Grand Commandant.”
“Hahaha. Many outstanding figures have indeed emerged from our family. Though some brought the name notoriety rather than glory. A grand general of a rebel state…”
The mention of Qiao Xuan and Qiao Yu brought a bittersweet smile to Qiao Gong’s face.
“To be offered the Inspectorate of Yangzhou by such a family is truly an honor. However…”
“Yes, my lord?”
“The position is welcome, but something feels lacking. I received a similar proposal from Jiangdong.”
“Not from the court, but from that young rascal?”
“Jiangdong has two remarkable men. One is called Sun Lang, the other Zhou Lang. Both have openly expressed admiration for my daughters, claiming that men of their caliber would make fine sons-in-law.”
Of course they did. That’s exactly why we seized both your daughters the moment we took Lujiang city.
“But, my lord, this offer comes from the court itself.”
“In my heart, as a loyal subject of Han, I should follow the court’s will without question. Yet seeing how the previous Inspector Liu Yao met his end makes me uneasy. Moreover, Liu Biao in Jingzhou also defies the court, does he not?”
This man’s greed was no small thing. He wanted not only the governorship but also a guarantee of safety between the powers of Jingzhou and Jiangdong. The subtle probing about marriage suggested he was also considering a prestigious family alliance as insurance.
At that moment Yang Xiu raised his hand again.
“My lord, do you truly consider Sun Lang and Zhou Lang such excellent sons-in-law?”
“I have seen them once. Both possessed heroic bearing and were remarkably handsome.”
“How would you compare them to the Gate Colonel seated here?”
“Hm? Did this man not say he already has three wives?”
“From what I know, Sun Ce—who is called Sun Lang—also has a wife and two children already. In the end, your daughters would only be concubines.”
“But is that not the same for the Colonel? You said he has three wives.”
“The Colonel has no children yet.”
“Is that true?”
Qiao Gong suddenly turned and studied me with such intensity that it became embarrassing. His eyes traveled over my face and physique.
“It has been some time since my marriage, but I have spent most of it on the battlefield.”
“A hero like you would surely father outstanding children.”
The way Qiao Gong kept examining me told me he had taken the bait. From what I understood, he had no sons, only two daughters who would become objects of political marriage anyway. One side already had two children and a powerful family that had toppled court officials. I had three wives but no heirs. If I produced a child first, that child’s mother could immediately become the principal wife.
“Dezuo, are you also thinking of taking a concubine?”
“Not I, my lord.”
Yang Xiu smiled and pointed at me once more.
“My lord, I recall that among marriages between noble clans there exists the custom of ying-cheop.”
“Oh?”
“When marrying a daughter into a distant prestigious family, it is said that not one daughter but sisters are sent together.”
The ying-cheop system. When two powers or great houses formed a political marriage, sending sisters together prevented the alliance from collapsing if one daughter met with misfortune. Yang Xiu could not openly say “offer both daughters as concubines,” so he had phrased it delicately as wives.
“You two should stay the night. I will prepare the best room in the upper quarters. Let us talk through the night!”
“Thank you, my lord.”
“Now then, excuse me for a moment.”
Qiao Gong rose abruptly and went outside, urgently summoning the steward.
“He is calling for his two daughters. Congratulations, Colonel.”
“...”
In the end, the situation had developed exactly like this. That made five now…