The state of Langya was located in the north of Xuzhou, with its capital in Kaiyang, only about 400 to 500 li from Xuzhou city, the prefectural seat. The royal family had long since declined, existing in name only and clinging to a small corner of their former domain. Xue Tai had never paid much attention to the insignificant Langya before. He only knew that last year, when the King of Langya died and Crown Prince Liu Yan succeeded to the throne, he merely sent a letter of condolence followed by congratulations. He was completely unaware that over the past two years, Liu Yan had been secretly recruiting capable individuals, gathering heroes, stockpiling grain, and fortifying defenses. He was no longer the youth who had been forced to take refuge in Yanzhou for several years due to slander.
Liu Yan had been quietly observing the situation in Xuzhou. Since Bi Zhi’s first battle with Xue Tai last year, Bi Zhi has caught his attention. Now, with Xuzhou in chaos, he finally took decisive action, persuading the state of Donghai to join forces and capture Xuzhou city.
Xue An, focused solely on avenging his father, had stationed his troops at Xiaqiu, leaving Xuzhou city’s defenses vulnerable. This allowed Liu Yan to launch a successful surprise attack. By the time Xue An returned to save the city, it was too late. Unable to recapture the city and fearing that Yang Xin might break their agreement and seize the remaining territories, Xue An had no choice but to abandon Xuzhou City. He retreated to Xiapi with his remaining forces of only a few tens of thousands to regroup and recuperate.
After securing Xuzhou, the first thing Liu Yan did was to personally visit Bi Zhi in Lingbi, expressing his desire to ally.
…
Wei Shao sat behind his desk, his treasured sword laid across it. His long fingers slowly caressed the golden dragon pattern on the sword hilt. His expression was calm, but his eyes betrayed a storm of emotions, like the calm before a tempest.
“…Liu Yan is a noble descendant of the Han imperial family, and he is known for his respect for the talented and his humility. He is praised as a rare gem among the royal clan. In his youth, he once resided in Yanzhou, so he has a history with Bi Zhi. If Bi Zhi is truly recruited by him, it would be a pity. This matter may not seem significant, but it cannot be ignored. In my humble opinion, my lord should prioritize the bigger picture, set aside past grievances, and use this opportunity of Bi Zhi’s retreat to win him over. That would be the best strategy…”
Gong Sun Yang prattled on beside him, but Wei Shao barely heard a word. His mind was focused entirely on the name Liu Yan.
His wife’s childhood sweetheart and former fiancé, who had refused to give up even after Wei Shao married her, went so far as to abduct her on the road. This led to Wei Shao’s furious attack on Shiyi!
Having reached his current position, Wei Shao had many responsibilities to juggle. Conquering territories, accepting defectors, training troops, and preparing for future challenges – besides these matters of state, his private emotions were entirely wrapped up in Xiao Qiao. He was so infatuated with this woman that he lived in constant fear of losing her. At times he was filled with tender affection, wishing they could meld together, inseparable. At other times, he was consumed by a tumultuous mix of love, hate, and jealousy, his heart unsettled. He had long since pushed Liu Yan out of his mind.
Yet he never expected this name to suddenly resurface in such an unexpected manner.
Not only had Liu Yan occupied Xuzhou, which Wei Shao had long coveted, but what truly stung Wei Shao’s heart was that he now sought to recruit Bi Zhi!
No matter how much Wei Shao refused to admit it, despite repeatedly referring to Bi Zhi as the “refugee leader,” he knew deep down that in Xiao Qiao’s heart, the refugee leader held a special place due to being her elder sister Da Qiao’s husband. She likely regarded Bi Zhi even more highly than she did Wei Shao.
All because of the Qiao surname!
This realization made him feel both bitter and angry.
Last night, he had ridden a hundred li in the rain to follow her to the post station. In a moment of impulse, to win her willing heart, he had made concessions that might leave him unable to face his ancestors’ spirits in the future.
At the time, it had indeed earned him her gentle companionship, leaving him in a state of ecstasy, reaching what seemed to be the pinnacle of physical pleasure.
Yet after the passion subsided, there was still a lingering sense of emptiness in his heart. That vague feeling of loss he had always felt didn’t seem to have been fully resolved by her calm “right.”
Just one night had passed, and now this situation had arisen.
One was her former fiancé, the other her brother-in-law.
If the refugee leader were truly recruited by Liu Yan, how would she react?
Would Liu Yan gain even more importance in her heart because of this?
“…If my lord is unwilling to personally intervene, in my humble opinion, we could ask the Lady to assist from the sidelines. If the Lady were to send a letter explaining the situation, Bi Zhi would surely not accept Liu Yan’s recruitment…”
Gong Sun Yang was still talking incessantly beside him.
Wei Shao’s face darkened as he pushed his sword forward and straightened his back. “Military matters are for me to decide. There’s no need for a woman to interfere.”
Gong Sun Yang was well aware of Liu Yan’s past relationship with the Lady.
Seeing his lord’s response, he held his tongue.
Wei Shao said, “Send someone to gather more information, and we’ll observe how the situation develops. As for Xuzhou…” He paused, then coldly smiled, “Tell Yang Xin not to move his troops yet. Just wait. How could Xue An willingly give up Xuzhou? He will surely try to recapture the city. What foundation does Liu Yan have? Driven out like a stray dog by a woman, he barely managed to find refuge in Yanzhou for a few years. Instead of showing gratitude, he now wants to drag others down with him. A mere firefly dares to compete with the stars and moon? Let’s just sit back and watch Xue An and Liu Yan fight it out.”
With that, he stood up and left.
…
Three days later, envoys from the Marquis of Jibei, Guo Quan, arrived.
The envoy was none other than Guo Quan’s eldest son, Guo Xing.
Guo Xing brought six fine horses, a golden saddle, and various silk fabrics as gifts.
In addition to the presents, there was also a fragrant carriage.
Inside the carriage sat two beauties, sent by Guo Quan as gifts to Wei Shao.
One was skilled in music, the other in dance. Both were virgins and of exceptional beauty.
That evening, Wei Shao held a banquet at Xin Palace to entertain Guo Xing and his entourage of guests from afar.
…
Sheyang Residence was several doors away from the front hall where the banquet was being held at Xin Palace.
But the faint sound of musical instruments could still be heard from that direction.
As there were numerous guests, a group of several dozen people, Xiao Qiao had sent servants from Sheyang Residence to attend to the front hall.
As evening fell, servants gradually returned.
Chun Niang came back from the small kitchen carrying a bowl of black chicken soup with Fuling.
The Lady had always felt unwell during her monthly periods. Although she was much better now than before, she still felt weak and listless during those few days each month.
Moreover, although they had been married for some time, there was still no sign of pregnancy.
Although Madam Xu had not pressured them, and her husband showed no dissatisfaction, Chun Niang remained concerned.
Several months ago in Jinyang, when Xiao Qiao fell ill after she gradually recovered, Chun Niang took the opportunity to ask a doctor to examine the Lady’s gynecological health.
The doctor couldn’t find anything specific wrong, only saying that she had a deficiency of qi and blood, a condition of dual deficiency, which needed to be gradually nourished.
Walking along the corridor towards the room, at a corner, she saw two maidservants standing with their backs turned, whispering to each other.
As she got closer, she could hear their conversation.
One said, “…The two beauties sent by the Marquis of Jibei performed songs and dances at the banquet. I was standing in the corner of the hall and saw with my own eyes how those two women kept glancing at the lord!”
The other replied, “That’s nothing. I heard from the maid who attended to those two women on their journey here that the Marquis of Jibei intends to form a marriage alliance with our lord, wanting to send one of his daughters over. I wonder if the Lady knows about this yet…”
Chun Niang frowned and coughed, walking over to them. “Nothing better to do than gossip here? Have you forgotten your manners?”
The maidservants turned around, their faces showing alarm as they hurriedly apologized.
Chun Niang reprimanded them a couple more times before entering the room. She saw Xiao Qiao standing by a window. The window faced the direction where the two maidservants had been discussing, and Chun Niang suspected she might have overheard. Feeling uneasy, she called her to eat.
Xiao Qiao took a couple of bites before putting down her chopsticks.
The kitchen maid urged her to eat more. Xiao Qiao forced down another mouthful, but feeling nauseated, she pushed the food away.
Suddenly feeling a wave of nausea, as if she might vomit, she frowned and tried hard to suppress it.
Chun Niang noticed her unusual expression and thought she might have overheard the maidservants’ gossip, causing her distress. She softly consoled, “Did the Lady hear something? Don’t take it to heart. You know how the lord treats you. Those two women sent over are just servants, how could they catch the lord’s eye? Even if the Guo family sends a daughter over, she would only be a concubine. The Lady should ease her mind and focus on getting healthy. That’s what will make the lord happy…”
Xiao Qiao was slightly startled, then smiled faintly. “Chun Niang speaks wisely.”
…
The great hall of Xin Palace was adorned with carved beams and painted rafters. In the spacious and deep hall stood eight massive vermilion pillars, each so thick it would take two men to encircle them. At the four corners of the hall ceiling, huge oil lamps burned brightly, illuminating the interior as bright as day.
Wei Shao sat alone facing east, while Guo Xing and the other envoys sat facing south. Gong Sun Yang, Chief Secretary Wei Quan, and others sat facing north as companions.
Fine wine and exquisite dishes were served, and the hosts and guests were engaged in lively conversation.
After the two beauties finished their performance of songs and dances, amidst applause, they walked to Wei Shao’s seat, and knelt on his left and right, each holding a golden cup. A maid poured wine. When the cups were full, with melodious voices like orioles, they offered the fine wine to Wei Shao.
Wei Shao accepted the wine and then ordered attendants to reward the two beauties.
The beauties bowed in gratitude and retreated. Guo Xing glanced at the strategist Xia Hong sitting beside him.
Understanding the hint, Xia Hong stood up to offer a toast to Wei Shao, smiling as he said, “Before coming here, I had heard that the Marquis of Yan is a rare talent of this age, fierce and sharp, unparalleled in the world. At such a young age, you have pacified the north, your influence extending across the land, with everyone looking up to you. I had long been filled with admiration. Now that I’ve met you in person, I realize that the Marquis of Yan not only possesses world-class martial prowess but is also handsome and graceful demeanor, like a blazing sunset, which truly impressive. My lord has a daughter of marriageable age, with some beauty. If you don’t mind, he wishes to send her to serve the Marquis and his wife, as a token of my lord’s desire for a close alliance. I wonder what the Marquis thinks of this proposal?”
Gong Sun Yang’s expression slightly changed as he looked towards Wei Shao.
Wei Shao slowly drank the wine in his cup, then put it down before smiling faintly, “Please convey my thanks to Marquis Guo for his kind intentions. The daughter of Marquis Guo must surely be as pure as ice and snow. Please tell him that I am deeply grateful, but I dare not subject her to such a lowly position. I hope she finds a better match, one worthy of her delicate nature and noble upbringing.”
Both Guo Xing and Xia Hong were stunned.
Everyone knew that Wei Shao had already married the Qiao woman from Yanzhou as his principal wife. Guo Quan certainly didn’t dare to hope to marry his daughter as a wife. Xia Hong had made it clear earlier that they were willing to marry the daughter as a concubine, hoping to solidify their relationship through this.
They never expected Wei Shao to reject even this offer. The two looked at each other, momentarily at a loss for words.
Gong Sun Yang felt a twinge of annoyance. He saw that after speaking, his lord’s expression remained unchanged as he casually poured himself more wine.
He hurriedly stood up to smooth things over.
Wei Quan, who had been tasked by Wei Shao to liaise with Guo Xing’s group earlier, took the opportunity to offer a toast and whispered in Guo Xing’s ear, “It’s not that our lord is rejecting your family’s kind intentions. Previously, other families have also sent daughters seeking marriage. Our lord has declined them all. Having refused others before, it wouldn’t be appropriate to accept only your family’s offer now. Although our lord doesn’t accept the marriage, he deeply appreciates your lord’s intention to ally. Please don’t take it to heart.”
Only then did Guo Xing’s embarrassment slightly ease, though he couldn’t help but wonder privately.
Using the offering of a daughter to strengthen relationships was a common practice.
He had also heard that Wei Shao had an unresolved grudge against the Qiao family from Yanzhou.
The Qiao family had managed to resolve their enmity by marrying their daughter Wei Shao as his wife.
When they were previously attacked by Xue Tai, it was Wei Shao’s intervention that saved them from disaster.
Originally, his family had hoped to emulate this, using marriage to solidify their relationship.
Unexpectedly, they were rejected.
He could only blame themselves for being a step too late, allowing the Qiao family from Yanzhou to seize the opportunity first.