Chapter 16
Chapter 16
The Count of Xuanwu's estate was located outside the city, boasting its own manor and fortress, situated about six miles from Xuanwu City. The fortress, home to the most esteemed figures of Xuanwu City, was so grand and immense that it inspired awe in all who beheld it. A commoner would not even be granted the right to set foot inside.
The Xu Clan was also a wealthy and influential family in Xuanwu City. Yet even the head of the Xu Clan had the opportunity to enter the Count of Xuanwu's fortress only once or twice a year, and even then, the warmest welcome he could expect was to be received by the steward. The Xu residence was large and lavish enough, but it was nothing compared to the count's estate before him.
The Jin Clan's title of Count came with a fief, making them entirely different from other nobles who held only a title. Unlike nobles who held only a title, the Count of Xuanwu, with his fief, possessed considerable power and authority within the State of Yue. For this reason, even the kings of Yue could not treat the Count of Xuanwu lightly. However, as the entire realm later fell into turmoil and endured several rebellions and political shifts, the Great Yan Dynasty implemented a series of political reforms concerning the feudal nobility. As a result, the Count of Xuanwu's fief was now considerably smaller than in the past. Nevertheless, the glory and authority of the Count of Xuanwu's estate endured.
The Count of Xuanwu's manor grounds spanned several thousand *mu*, and within it were their own rice paddies, fish farms, orchards, and breweries. The fortress stood tall atop a rather high mountain, its walls higher and thicker than those of Xuanwu City, and its garrison outnumbered the city's.
It was said that even if Xuanwu City were to fall in a war, this domain would not be conquered. This was Shen Lang's first time entering the manor of the greatest and most prestigious noble family in Nujiang Commandery, a place steeped in such history and tradition.
***
When Jin Mulan of the Count of Xuanwu's estate shed her silver armor, only the form-fitting snakeskin combat attire remained, accentuating her fantastical figure. Her firm, powerful peaks and rounded buttocks seemed ready to burst from the fabric.
Having trained in martial arts year-round, she was taller than the average man. Her long, powerful legs were unmatched, and she possessed a firm physique and beauty rarely seen in ordinary women. Her exceptionally toned curves were so formidable that one would hardly dare to gaze upon them directly.
Jin Mulan shed even the snakeskin attire and submerged herself in a massive bathtub. After returning from a campaign, bathing in hot water was one of Jin Mulan's simple pleasures. After her bath, she donned a suit of light armor and went to greet her parents. Clad in armor, she looked valiant and dignified, exuding a cool charm that made her all the more beautiful.
"Father, Mother, I have come to greet you!"
The count's study was not grand or ornate, but every object within it held a century of history, making it exquisite and meaningful. Even the books here were over a hundred years old. The Count of Xuanwu, Jin Zhuo, was fifty years old this year. He had a gentle disposition, yet his eyes were so sharp they seemed capable of piercing a person's very soul.
He was a martial artist of great skill, but he was more often seen with a book in his hand than a sword. Despite his high status and power, he wore clothes of cotton or linen rather than silk. He wore no gold or silver ornaments; the most valuable-looking accessory was the jade pendant at his waist.
The Count of Xuanwu asked.
"Mulan, you're here. So, how was the martial demonstration this time?"
"It went well. Fortunately, I did not bring shame to the family's name."
"Hahaha, if you say it went well, then it must have been exceptional in the eyes of others."
The look in his eyes as he gazed at his daughter was complex and profound. He sighed lightly and said.
"If only your brother were at least a third as capable as you, this old father of yours would have no worries."
"Father, is the situation dire?"
"It is not. The True Dragon, Son of Heaven has already resolved to implement new policies, which will soon affect our State of Yue. As that is the Son of Heaven's will, the King will also comply. Eventually, the King will dispatch new officials to the provinces, and the fiefs and military authority of the old nobility will be gradually curtailed. In such a time of rapid political change, you know what it means to lack a proper heir, do you not, Mulan?"
As the count spoke, the thought of his own inadequate son made his hands and feet tremble uncontrollably.
"As long as I am here, the day our Count of Xuanwu's estate falls will not come."
Her words were no empty boast. Today, she was undoubtedly the pillar of the count's estate and her parents' greatest pride. But Jin Mulan was already an adult, and by the customs of this world, she would eventually have to marry.
"Father, rather than live my life as someone's wife, I wish to remain with the family, support my younger brother, and carry on the century-old traditions and legacy of our Jin Clan and the Count of Xuanwu's estate. If anyone were to force marriage upon me, it would surely be a scheme by our enemies who wish for our family's downfall. Therefore, I have no intention of ever marrying."
As Jin Mulan spoke in a cool voice, the atmosphere grew heavy. The count and his wife were so pained by their daughter's immense sacrifice for the family that they could not even offer words of comfort. After a moment, the Count of Xuanwu changed the subject.
"I heard that on your way back from training today, one of your cavalrymen collided with someone on the road to Xuanwu City and injured them?"
"Yes, that did happen."
"As I have always told you, you must always treat the common people as your own children. Ensure he receives the best possible treatment, and do not forget to look after him even after he has recovered. In times like these, it is right to follow the proper path."
Just then, the voice of the count's attendant sounded from outside the door.
"My lord, Physician An requests an audience."
"Let him in!"
At the Count of Xuanwu's permission, an elderly man entered. He was one of the three physicians residing at the Count of Xuanwu's estate. The reason Jin Mulan had brought Shen Lang to the estate was so he could be treated by this very physician, An Zaishi.
"Reporting to Your Excellency. The young man who was struck by the warhorse has awakened. Fortunately, he is not seriously harmed."
As the elderly Physician An spoke with a bow, Jin Mulan was taken aback. Wasn't the young man seriously injured?
"That is a relief."
The Count of Xuanwu was somewhat surprised. Was it necessary to report such a trivial matter? It would have been sufficient to tell the steward to handle it.
Then, An Zaishi said.
"The young man has requested to see you, my lord."
"Me?"
The Count of Xuanwu was stunned. It seemed the young man his daughter had brought was a naive youth who knew nothing of the world. Even the officials of Xuanwu City would not dare to request a meeting with him so carelessly. How could a common youth presume to ask for an audience so brazenly?
"He insists it is a matter of great importance that he must discuss with you, my lord. It concerns the young lady's marriage."
Hearing this, the Count of Xuanwu's expression turned serious. He furrowed his brow, then nodded.
"If the young man is well enough, have him come see me."
***
Shen Lang's body was not seriously injured. Only his muscles and bones were bruised, making it a bit difficult to walk, and his face was a little pale from a sleepless night. Upon arriving at the Count of Xuanwu's study, he bowed at the waist and spoke.
"This student, Shen Lang, pays his respects to the Count."
As a citizen of Xuanwu City, Shen Lang was expected to kneel and pay obeisance to its ruler, the Count of Xuanwu, but for some reason, he did not want to kneel. Or more precisely, he did not want to bow his head to anyone so easily.
Seeing Shen Lang's demeanor, the Count of Xuanwu's expression was not friendly, but he did not deliberately use his authority to create a heavy atmosphere. Instead, out of curiosity for the young man who had requested a meeting, he studied his face closely and was inwardly surprised by Shen Lang's handsome features.
'What a handsome young man. It's rare to see someone with such looks in the countryside.'
The Count of Xuanwu said.
"Student? What is your official rank? I know everyone in Xuanwu City who has passed the civil, military, or metropolitan examinations, and I have never heard the name Shen Lang."
"I am a student of the Hanshuizhen Academy."
Shen Lang felt a pang of shame as he said this. The Hanshuizhen Academy was responsible for elementary education, the equivalent of a primary school on modern Earth. Moreover, Shen Lang hadn't even graduated from that academy; he had been expelled, which was reason enough for his shame.
"Seeing how fair-featured and delicate you look, it's clear your parents must have doted on you, allowing you to focus on your studies. Yet, at your age, you haven't even managed to enter one of Xuanwu City's proper academies. As a son, you have committed a great act of filial impiety!"
The Count of Xuanwu frowned, inwardly despising Shen Lang. His own son was also an unlearned and untalented good-for-nothing, but he seemed better than the young man before him. Upon hearing that Shen Lang was a poor student, the count reprimanded him on behalf of his parents, and for this, Shen Lang felt a sense of favor toward the count. He could clearly sense that the count regarded all the people of Xuanwu City as his own subjects.
The count asked.
"You were injured in a collision with one of the estate's cavalrymen. Are you all right?"
"I am not seriously harmed. My muscles and bones are just a bit sore."
"That's a relief. Now then, you said you had something important to tell me regarding my daughter's marriage. Go on, speak."
"I have heard that Zhu Hongxue of the Zhu Clan intends to take Lady Jin Mulan of the count's estate as his wife."
In an instant, the count's expression changed drastically.
The Zhu Clan? The most powerful and prestigious family in the State of Yue, the king's in-laws, the very clan that had produced the Governor of Tiannan Province and the General of Pingnan?
If Jin Mulan were to marry someone, it was highly likely to be a member of the Zhu Clan. The higher that possibility, the more vigilant the Count of Xuanwu had to be. But if Jin Mulan were to become a daughter-in-law of the Zhu family, who would protect the count's estate and command the Jin Clan's private army? This was clearly an attempt by someone to uproot the Count of Xuanwu's estate and break the pillar of their family.