Chapter 854: Iron Cavalry in Snowy Jiangnan (Part 2)

This morning, at the Prince’s Residence on Qingliang Mountain, a young woman emerged and an old man arrived. Both have deep ties with the Xu family.

The old man is Wang Linquan. In his early years, he was a true trusted aide to the old Prince of Beiliang and was even familiar with figures like Lin Doufang. This time, however, because his daughter was not chosen as the official Princess Consort of Beiliang, Wang Linquan—who also holds the position of Deputy Supervisor of Jubai City—feigned illness and remained at home.

At this moment, Wang Linquan was strolling by Tingchao Lake with his only daughter, Wang Chudong. As he watched his still carefree daughter, the old man felt both relief and worry. He was relieved that she seemed not to have suffered any indignities there. His worry, however, was about her changing status in the future; no matter how agreeable an in-law family might be, over time, unexpected conflicts were inevitable. How could his simple daughter engage in schemes or vie for favor? Moreover, Wang Linquan had always disliked the woman surnamed Lu, who also hailed from Qingzhou, and he had long scoffed at so-called "pure conversation" scholars like Lu Dongjiang. To be honest, Wang Linquan had indeed never gloated over the Lu family's misfortunes, despite their widespread complaints in Beiliang. Yet, he also knew that his son-in-law, the prince, hoped he could get along well with the Lu family and even assist them in some matters. Wang Linquan, however, considered himself no saint; he wouldn't do bad deeds, but he couldn't perform acts of kindness that amounted to harming himself by helping rivals. Fortunately, while the young prince may have harbored such hopes, he never explicitly forced Wang Linquan to act. Thus, Wang Linquan was content to feign ignorance and coldly observe the Lu family's embarrassing antics.

Wang Linquan stopped, quickly scanning his surroundings from the corner of his eye before quietly saying, "My daughter, you'll be getting married soon. Your mother and I don't want you running back home every time you feel wronged; even if your maiden home is nearby, that's not how it works. However... if you truly suffer a great injustice, you must still tell your parents. That saying, 'A married daughter is like spilled water,' is utter nonsense; don't take it seriously."

Listening to her father's contradictory words, Wang Chudong grinned.

Wang Linquan quickly reminded her, "My dear daughter, how many times has your mother told you to smile without showing your teeth?"

Wang Chudong made a lively and playful silly face.

Wang Linquan said helplessly, "You never grow up. How can your mother and I be at ease letting you marry?"

Wang Chudong replied with a smile, "If you can't bear to part with me, then I won't get married."

Wang Linquan raised his hand as if to hit her, but as a father famously doting on his daughter back in Qingzhou, how could he truly bring himself to do it? He couldn't even bear to say a harsh word, let alone strike her.

Wang Chudong clasped her hands behind her back, looked up, and said softly, "Father, I actually know that even if Sister Lu weren't the official consort, it wouldn't be my turn. It would be that woman from Western Chu surnamed Jiang; she's the one the Prince truly can't let go of, but she's just not suitable to be the Princess Consort of Beiliang. So, Sister Lu also has it hard. Father, I know you're afraid I'm upset, but I'm actually not angry or unhappy. Every time the Prince returns to Qingliang Mountain, he makes time to ask me about the various plot lines in 'First Snowfall.' He also said that when he's truly free, he'll personally supervise me as I write a historical novel about his three travels in the martial world, explaining how to write about a great hero. I told the Prince that writing him as chivalrous and inspiring would be no problem, but the female martial artist he likes must be surnamed Wang and be of breathtaking beauty—and the Prince agreed."

Wang Linquan was speechless.

Young people these days are truly incomprehensible.

Wang Chudong's eyes curved into crescent moons as she smiled, "Father, when you have time, why not drink and chat more with Mr. Lu? Didn't you used to love feigning sophistication? Sitting at the same table with Lu Boque, renowned in literary circles, would be so prestigious, wouldn't it?"

Wang Linquan replied with a straight face, "Their threshold is too high. Your father is old and can't cross it."

Wang Chudong shook Wang Linquan's arm.

Wang Linquan's expression grew heavy. "Did the Prince instruct you? Does he want me to proactively make overtures to the Lu family?"

Wang Chudong shook her head and said earnestly, "No, Father."

Wang Linquan looked into his daughter's eyes, gazing for a moment, then finally nodded and said, "I trust my daughter, and I trust the Grand General's son."

Wang Chudong wrinkled her nose and said, "Wrong, wrong! Trusting our Prince of Beiliang naturally means trusting your son-in-law too!"

Wang Linquan was torn between laughter and tears, saying helplessly, "Your father will listen to you then."

Wang Chudong suddenly said cautiously, "Father, in the future, will we truly be able to treat the Lu family as relatives? The kind that's neither too close nor too distant, the kind that just adds a little something extra?"

Wang Linquan sighed, stroking his daughter's head. "I understand, your father will take it to heart. Heh, your father is just afraid that his good intentions might be unappreciated by that Lu Boque, who might even mistakenly think his motives are malicious. Oh well, your father actually knows that befriending the Lu family will ultimately make things easier for my daughter here. It's just that before, I always felt a resentment in my heart; your father was being petty."

Wang Chudong lowered her head. "Father, it's your daughter who made you suffer indignity."

Wang Linquan laughed happily, "Silly girl, unless a daughter is truly utterly senseless, there's no daughter in this world who would upset her father. Who says daughters always favor their husband's family once they're grown? Our family isn't like that! Your father is very happy, truly!"

Wang Chudong's face glowed with a bright smile.

Wang Linquan whispered, "Daughter, your mother is right: among women, not contending is the greatest contention."

Wang Chudong smiled, looking exactly like a mischievous little fox spirit who had just achieved cultivation in the deep mountains and wild forests. "Father, what did you say? Your daughter didn't hear you."

Wang Linquan burst into laughter and said nothing more.

The Lu Residence, adorned with lanterns and streamers, welcomed a rare visitor—one who was reasonable yet entirely unexpected.

It was Lu Chengyan, traveling lightly with a minimal retinue, the undisputed future Princess Consort of Beiliang.

The non-Lu family servants in the residence were taciturn about the almost universally known indifferent relationship between Lu Chengyan and the Lu family in Beiliang official circles. Even the arrogant Lu family members no longer considered this ruthless woman one of their own; each felt both fear and resentment, their emotions complex.

In the first year of Xiangfu, the Lu family was still quite prominent in Beiliang. The second year of Xiangfu was more difficult, but things took a turn for the better after autumn. Now, barely spring this year, a great joyous event had arrived.

Regarding Lu Chengyan's return home, much like a visit to her parents, the Lu family—whose confidence had grown significantly since last year—indulged in sarcastic whispers: "Oh, didn't you declare you wouldn't care about our Lu family's fate anymore? What, you just heard your father is about to become the Prefect of Liangzhou, and now you remember you have a maiden family? Aren't you ashamed, rushing over in the first month to pay respects to your father? Or is it that you're not as comfortable at Qingliang Mountain as outsiders claim?" Lu Chengyan, led by a deferential old Lu family steward, went straight to Lu Dongjiang's small courtyard.

At this time, Lu Dongjiang was indeed in the courtyard, using a broom dipped in water to practice calligraphy with large characters.

The current head of the Lu family, feeling triumphant, saw his daughter appear at the courtyard entrance. He didn't immediately put down his special broom, waiting until the small bucket was completely empty before handing it to a graceful young maid. He then took a towel to wipe his hands, slowly turned around, and smiled, "Chengyan, you've arrived."

Lu Dongjiang's thoughts concerning this daughter, whom the old Lu family elder revered, were actually more complex than those for ordinary Lu family members.

This daughter, who had never been close to him as her father since childhood, bore too many imprints of the old family head, Lu Feichi.

Many even believed that if Lu Chengyan had not been a girl, Lu Dongjiang would never have become the head of the Lu family.

Lu Dongjiang knew these were no idle words. That night, at their family home in Qingzhou, if Lu Chengyan had been his son instead of his daughter, he would never have been able to take the unassuming bamboo lantern from the old ancestor's hand.

More than anyone, Lu Dongjiang hoped the Lu family could prosper in Beiliang. More than anyone, he hoped that if the old ancestor knew, he would be glad he had passed the lantern to him!

Lu Chengyan said expressionlessly, "Do you know why the Lu family could produce a Prefect?"

Lu Dongjiang was momentarily stunned, then sneered, "Even if there are a myriad of reasons, it certainly isn't due to your 'pillow talk,' Chengyan."

Lu Chengyan twitched the corner of her mouth. "Look at the current Prefects and Vice Prefects of Beiliang Province: in Liuzhou, there's Yang Guangdou and Chen Xiliang. In Lingzhou, Chang Sui and Song Yan. As for Youzhou, the position of Vice Prefect has been vacant for two years, with only Prefect Hu Kui."

Lu Dongjiang confidently interjected with a laugh, "Now, Liangzhou, which is a rank higher than the other three prefectures, also has its Vice Prefect position vacant for a long time. And both the Prefect of Liangzhou, Tian Peifang, and the Deputy Commissioner, Song Dongming, have a good relationship with your father. Though we've had no grand banquets, a gentleman's friendship is like water..."

Lu Chengyan stared at the man she hadn't called "father" in a long time, her eyes dim, holding deep sorrow, and asked, "Does the Lu family know that once there's a Prefect of Liangzhou holding a second-rank position, the Xu family, who has always given way, will begin to lecture the Lu family on principles, instead of constantly granting favors? And do you know that your actions are tantamount to one person monopolizing the fortune of the Lu family for two entire generations?"

Lu Dongjiang retorted angrily, "Lu Chengyan, don't forget I'm your father!"

Lu Chengyan gave a desolate, bitter laugh. "Lu Dongjiang, if I truly forgot, what would I be doing here? Can't you imagine, even slightly, that the reason I didn't hesitate to break ties with the Lu family, to take a stance of never interacting again, was simply to make him feel more guilty towards the Lu family? And do you think he doesn't know this small selfish motive of mine? It's not that he doesn't know; it's that he pretends not to know! Do you really think that old fox Tian Peifang, or Song Dongming—a pillar of talent capable of supporting a nation's governance—would regard you as someone capable of governing the world and benefiting the people, just because you write a good hand in large characters? Are you foolish, or are they? In this vast Lu family, is there no one who isn't blind?"

Whether it was anger, fear, or regret, Lu Dongjiang was speechless. He tremblingly extended a finger, pointing at this increasingly unfamiliar woman. "Lu Chengyan, you scoundrel! Get out of the Lu family!"

Lu Chengyan actually smiled. "Don't worry, I will get out. But before that, I will take the old ancestor's portrait from the ancestral hall. I'm afraid if he sees this family every day, he won't rest in peace."

Lu Dongjiang's eyes widened in extreme fury. "How dare you?!"

Lu Chengyan narrowed her eyes and said coldly, "Lu Dongjiang, from the moment I, Lu Chengyan, decided to come here today, I no longer consider myself a member of the Lu family; I am merely a daughter-in-law of the Xu family. So, if you still want to be the Prefect of Liangzhou, then shut up!"

Lu Chengyan repeated, "Shut up, do you hear me?"

Lu Dongjiang's face was ashen, but for some reason, he couldn't utter a single harsh word.

In the small courtyard, not far from the father and daughter, the pretty maid whom Lu Dongjiang had recently taken from Rouge Commandery was half-dead with fright, wishing she could close her eyes, cover her ears, and squat on the ground.

That day, when the serene-faced Lu Chengyan left the Lu family, carrying a scroll painting, no one saw her off.

When Lu Chengyan sat in the carriage, tightly clutching the old ancestor's portrait, she lowered her head and bit her arm to stifle her sobs, unwilling to let the coachman—whose true identity was Song Yu, the chief steward of the Prince's Residence—hear her.

Suddenly, the carriage did not immediately drive towards Qingliang Mountain. The chief steward, who had seemingly met Lu Chengyan by chance before she left, or perhaps decided on a whim to act as coachman for the future princess, gently knocked on the carriage curtain.

Lu Chengyan suppressed her sobs and asked softly, "Steward Song, what is it?"

From behind the curtain, Song Yu replied, "Before the Prince left home, he instructed this humble servant to give Your Highness a small brocade pouch when you return from your maiden home to Qingliang Mountain."

A corner of the curtain was gently lifted, and Song Yu handed over a carefully preserved, exquisite brocade pouch.

Lu Chengyan, completely bewildered, opened the pouch. Inside, there was only a single sheet of paper with one sentence written on it.

Lu Chengyan burst into tears.

This fortunate woman, whose birth chart reportedly made her a "match made in heaven" with the young prince; this foolish woman who had once secretly lit a "life-exchanging lamp" to trade her life for his; this strong woman who, after the old ancestor's death, single-handedly bore the family's fate; this "mad" woman who could personally tell her own father to shut up—for the first time in her life, she cried so unreservedly.

On that paper, in familiar, meticulous handwriting, were the words: "Don't cry. We are family for this lifetime."

***

That day, the civil and military officials of Tai'an City, having just finished the New Year celebrations, were all frowning on their way to the first morning court of the New Year.

Even Duke Yan, Gao Shizhi, and Marquis Huaiyang, Song Daoning, looked grim after alighting from their carriages.

In fact, the previous day, both had already entered the palace overnight to meet His Majesty the Emperor. Not only them, but also the prominent nobles and officials from the Three Departments and Six Ministries had gathered. Although the young Emperor seemed calm, only speaking in a light tone about Beiliang's ten thousand cavalry arbitrarily invading Hezou under the banner of "Suppressing Rebellion in Guangling," everyone present clearly understood the Emperor's suppressed fury. In the end, there weren't many substantial countermeasures. Among them, Jin Lanteng, Assistant Minister of Rites, suggested that Xu Gong, Assistant Minister of War, withdraw from the Liang-Liao border and lead the capital's elite forces to Guangling Province to reinforce Lu Shengxiang, the main commander of the southern expedition. His Majesty neither agreed nor refused. Tang Tieshuang, Assistant Minister of War, then suggested that the court order General Yuan Tingshan of Jizhou to head south to Guangling, advancing simultaneously on two fronts with Assistant Minister Xu Gong's forces. An elderly Assistant Minister of Revenue, whether confused or perhaps fearing that the ten thousand Beiliang cavalry were not going to suppress the rebellion in Guangling Province but were instead heading directly for Tai'an City, suggested to His Majesty that the Prince of Shu could dispatch an additional ten thousand troops from his territory. The young Emperor's expression subtly changed then. Fortunately, Tan Tanweng quickly rectified the situation by adding that the ten thousand troops could be temporarily "lent" to Assistant Minister Xu of the Ministry of War.

Gao Shizhi looked at his childhood friend beside him, whose face was pale from the cold, and quietly asked, "Why didn't you change into a thicker fur coat?"

Song Daoning said bitterly, "I didn't sleep a wink last night. It was warm in the study, so I just grabbed this on my way out. You know my temper; I probably looked quite unpleasant when I left, so how could any of the servants dare to approach me and invite trouble?"

Without a word, Gao Shizhi took off his own fur coat and exchanged it with Song Daoning. Like a servant of the Marquis of Huaiyang's residence, he personally helped the Marquis change his coat.

Song Daoning whispered, "Old Gao, what if one day Tai'an City also sees the smoke of war, and we have to go to the city walls to draw bows and shoot enemies—will you die first, or I?"

Gao Shizhi spat a few times in annoyance, then angrily said, "It's New Year's! Can you stop saying unlucky things?!"

Song Daoning chuckled dismissively, "Just childish talk, childish talk, haha."

Gao Shizhi lowered his voice and said, "I can't guarantee anything else, but taking a step back, even if Gu Jiantang of Liang-Liao rebelled, Xu Fengnian of Beiliang wouldn't attack Tai'an City."

Song Daoning asked curiously, "Is it true, as rumored on the streets, that Xu Fengnian is really just going to rescue a Western Chu woman? I absolutely didn't believe it; I thought it was just a joke."

Gao Shizhi grimaced, "That fellow, what *can't* he do? Can an ordinary person single-handedly challenge Deng Tai'a and Cao Changqing? Would an average person dare to fight their way in and out of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau?"

Song Daoning stopped and asked in a deep voice, "Is the woman's identity also as absurd as the rumors claim—the Empress of Western Chu?"

Gao Shizhi shook his head. "That's hard to say. Truth and falsehood, heaven knows."

Song Daoning pressed on, "Gao Shizhi, do you know when the rumor of Beiliang's Xu family secretly harboring the princess of the fallen Great Chu first spread in Tai'an City?"

Gao Shizhi said, rubbing his temple, "Actually, such rumors have existed for a long time, old news from many years ago. But back then, they weren't widespread and never caused a big stir. However, last winter, they suddenly became rampant in the city, unstoppable. Your Marquis's residence has strict rules, so you wouldn't hear such vulgar rumors."

Song Daoning fell into thought.

Gao Shizhi laughed, "What's there to think about? If you ask me, it's definitely Jin Lanteng, who no longer grows a beard, stirring up trouble, and those hangers-on like Gao Tingshu and Wu Congxian can't escape blame either. I just wonder, how can this Beiliang person hate Beiliang more than us true city dwellers?"

Song Daoning sighed softly, "Rural folk fight over water in the same village, and colleagues in officialdom fight over chairs in the same room—it's all the same principle. Anyway, when some scholars become unreasonable, there's nothing you can say."

Gao Shizhi said puzzledly, "Aren't you a scholar yourself?"

Song Daoning glared. "It's New Year's! Why are you insulting people?"

Gao Shizhi was instantly speechless. *Damn it, the people around us are the most outstanding scholars in Liyang. No matter if you're the Marquis of Huaiyang, if these words get out, you'll be drowned in spit!*

Gao Shizhi walked side by side with Song Daoning. "Daoning, you don't think that Xu boy from the Xu family would actually rebel, do you?"

Song Daoning asked with a laugh, "Are you afraid?"

Gao Shizhi mumbled, "Beiliang cavalry in the west, Beiman barbarians in the north, Cao Changqing of Western Chu in the south—if that's truly the situation, aren't you afraid?"

Song Daoning said teasingly, "Who was it just now who said Beiliang definitely wouldn't come to Tai'an City looking for trouble?"

Gao Shizhi said with a pained expression, "Things are hard to predict. What if that young man surnamed Xu really is the kind of infatuated person who'd give up an empire for a beauty? Then we'd be in trouble."

Song Daoning's expression wasn't much better. "Honestly, what are you afraid of?"

Gao Shizhi's face flushed, and he whispered, "Beiman and Western Chu are nothing to fear! I'm afraid Beiliang will abandon its post and not guard the national border."

Gao Shizhi originally thought his good brother would laugh at him after he said that. Unexpectedly, the Marquis of Huaiyang whispered, "I also fear the Beiliang cavalry. Do you think anyone in the current court truly isn't afraid?"