At seventy, one is ancient and rare.

This saying clearly didn’t apply to Wang Yang. The seventy-four-year-old man still had steps as steady as a mountain, posture as upright as a pine, tall physique, piercing gaze, and resonant voice.

After a round of toasts, Xiao Wei’s admiration for Wang Yang only increased. He felt that as the most outstanding chancellor of two reigns, Wang Yang didn’t rely on his age or seniority at all. Prince Su took the lead in discussing the current situation of Great Zhou. Wang Yang mostly listened quietly, but whenever he opened his mouth, he could invariably give everyone a sense of sudden clarity.

Prince Su asked in which direction the diplomatic relations between Great Zhou and Daqiu should head.

The guests discussed animatedly. Most believed Daqiu wouldn’t dare attack, so they should focus on defense.

Wang Yang said eight characters: “Wolf-hearted with wild ambitions, difficult to prevent and defend against.”

“I actually want to attack, but my imperial brother governs the realm with benevolence—convincing him won’t be easy. I’ve heard the court has already split into peace and war factions. There’s talk of having Princess Changming go to Daqiu for a marriage alliance, and also requests to take the initiative to attack. Speaking of which, Princess Anming and Princess Changming are both born of the Empress, which is to say they’re Minister Wang’s granddaughters. If they marry into Daqiu’s barbarous lands, what a pity that would be.” Prince Su shook his head. “Our Great Zhou’s Wu clan are originally masters of the realm. Not only have we still not recovered lost territories, we must also sacrifice golden branches and jade leaves. If it were me, I would never agree under any circumstances. Though they’re daughters, they’re still one’s own flesh and blood—how can we allow barbarians to ruin them? Even if they married to become empress, it would be hard to accept in one’s heart.”

Having been away these many days, Xiao Wei didn’t know the situation in the capital. Hearing Prince Su mention a marriage alliance, he was naturally surprised. “This nephew doesn’t think a marriage alliance can succeed. I lurked in Daqiu for over half a month—Daqiu nobles and officials mostly reject intermarriage with Han people. The higher their status, the less they accept Han women.” Those nobles forcefully forbade even the King of Daqiu from marrying Mo Zi, and a major reason was that Mo Zi was Han.

“A marriage alliance would only delay things anyway. What has long been united must divide; what has long been divided must unite. Actually, it’s time to end this fragmented situation. It just depends on who has such dominance and courage.” Reaching this point, Wang Yang chuckled. “Alright then. Everyone, don’t forget—this old man left the court long ago. Discussing matters of the realm before this idle person—I’m getting drowsy.”

The guests all laughed.

“I came here because I have a matter I need Young General Xiao to help with.” Wang Yang glanced at Prince Su.

Prince Su saw it. He quickly said loudly, “Minister, when entrusting a matchmaker, you don’t ask two families, and when entrusting a matter, isn’t it the same? You only told me about this matter this morning—how are you asking Erlang to help now?”

“That’s because Prince Su wouldn’t immediately agree to this old man’s request. I could only assume His Highness found it difficult and had no choice but to think of another method.” Wang Yang was waiting for Prince Su’s displeasure. But he smiled back at him, “Otherwise, what did His Highness think this old man came for?”

Prince Su sighed repeatedly. “Minister, it’s not that this prince won’t agree, but the matter is as significant as heaven itself and requires careful arrangement. You also know the other shore watches like a tiger eyeing its prey, yet here I lack ships and men.” His tone shifted. “However, worthy of being Minister Wang—you found the most suitable candidate. If it’s Erlang, then we can truly be at ease.”

Xiao Wei respectfully asked, “I wonder what matter the minister wishes to entrust?”

“My granddaughter Balang is to complete her marriage with the Crown Prince in mid-May. She’s my eldest son’s daughter. Since the Emperor bestowed the marriage, she returned to her natal home to learn proper etiquette. With the wedding date approaching, she must be sent back to the capital. But lately there are quite a few displaced people—long journeys aren’t safe. This old man wanted to ask someone to escort her. We have quite a few household guards at home, but traveling by water they can’t fully deploy their skills. Originally I wanted to shamelessly ask Prince Su for a favor, but what His Highness said is also true—the borders are currently tense. How could I use garrison forces for this old man’s private matter? It was this old man being inconsiderate. I’m truly getting old.” Wang Yang sighed.

Prince Su clarified, “Minister, it’s not that I won’t help, just that arrangements must be made properly. If you, venerable sir, want to borrow people and ships, I’ll give you an entire garrison. It’s clearly because you heard that Second Young Master Xiao of Prince Jing’s residence was here—he’s much stronger than my ragtag troops.”

Xiao Wei repeatedly said he didn’t dare, but in his heart he thought of using this as an excuse to let the Chi ship leave first. He asked, “The Crown Prince’s grand wedding is a matter of great importance, and we’re traveling the same route anyway. Xiao Wei should naturally do his utmost to provide escort. This nephew accepts the minister’s request. However, I wonder when the minister plans to depart?”

“Thank you, Young General.” Wang Yang brought his hands together and bowed slightly. For an elder to do this to a junior was quite a significant courtesy. “I know the Young General is anxious to return to the capital for an audience with the Emperor, so I won’t delay the general’s schedule. As long as the general agrees, I’ll return to my residence immediately to prepare everything. The general’s ship need only stop briefly at the prefecture capital dock—two hours will be sufficient.”

Xiao Wei nodded. “Then it’s settled. There’s no need to rush though. The minister’s granddaughter is not only a treasured pearl in your palm but also the future Crown Princess. Xiao Wei wouldn’t dare to rush you—we can stay an extra day.”

But Wang Yang said, “The Young General is considerate, but the Wang family shouldn’t be a burden.”

Prince Su interjected, “Erlang, you should follow Minister Wang’s wishes. Rest tonight, and tomorrow morning early I’ll let you out of the garrison.”

“I won’t hide anything from you two. This mission for the Emperor—His Majesty urgently awaits news. However, when I said I could stay an extra day for the minister, it wasn’t idle talk without consideration, because I already have a countermeasure. I have two ships.” Xiao Wei’s gaze moved from Wang Yang to look at Prince Su. “I’d like to have Wei Jia take a ship out of the garrison tonight and proceed to the capital first. This way, I can have ample time to escort the Crown Princess’s party. I just wonder if His Highness can provide this convenience?” Raising this request at this moment didn’t seem abrupt.

Prince Su therefore agreed very readily. “What difficulty is there in that? If Nephew Wei puts down his chopsticks right now, I’ll have someone open the gates right now.”

Wei Jia immediately put down his chopsticks.

Wang Yang’s face showed approval. “Our Great Zhou’s younger generation is formidable—no need to worry about lacking valiant generals.”

Prince Su immediately summoned his trusted military officer, giving him the military tally to grant passage.

Xiao Wei also stood. “Your Highness, Minister, I’ll go along to make arrangements.”

The two naturally didn’t obstruct him. They only felt he was steady and responsible, appreciating him even more, and urged him to go.

Thus, Xiao Wei led Wei Jia and Zhong An in leaving the banquet.

After they left, the banquet quickly dispersed. Prince Su and Wang Yang entered the study.

Prince Su smiled with a triumphant look. “Minister, you didn’t come in vain this time, did you?”

Wang Yang stroked his white beard. “His Highness is resourceful and wise. If this matter succeeds, this old man will naturally offer generous thanks.”

Prince Su grinned broadly. “No need for generous gifts—just give me a matchmaker’s red envelope as a token. If not for this prince’s two sons having already taken wives, Tenth Miss should have been a young madam of Prince Su’s residence.”

“What virtue and ability does Shiniang have to warrant such praise from His Highness?” Wang Yang was modest.

“Eh, no need for the minister to be self-effacing. I’ve heard that Tenth Miss grew up at the minister’s side from childhood. Not only is she proficient in needlework and household management, she’s also read ten thousand volumes of books—virtuous, talented, wise, and beautiful, all four equally weighted. The minister once said you’d find the greatest man under heaven to match her.” Prince Su’s private friendship with Wang Yang was deep—he said everything.

Wang Yang also joked, “If the Emperor heard His Highness say this, he’d probably question Wang Yang for the crime of concealing private matters—how is it I didn’t give Shiniang to him as a daughter-in-law? Could it be the Crown Prince doesn’t even count as the greatest man under heaven?” Seeing Prince Su understood, he continued, “In the future, Your Highness absolutely mustn’t say such things. For women, lack of talent is virtue. My family’s Shiniang isn’t much more outstanding than Liulang. Because of me, she learned some literature and poetry, which instead made it hard to find a husband’s family. She’s only a bit over a year younger than Sixth Miss, yet her younger sisters have all made several betrothal arrangements, while she alone became a major headache. Her grandmother is so anxious that she practically quarrels with me daily, saying I’ve needlessly ruined Shiniang’s entire life. I never said I’d find the greatest man—it was Shiniang who presumptuously used me as a shield. Actually, she’s determined to choose her future husband herself. Taking advantage of her cousin going to the capital, I wore my lips thin before convincing her to accompany the wedding party. Really can’t handle her stubborn temperament—don’t know who she takes after.”

“Takes after Minister Wang, of course.” Prince Su laughed heartily. “Back then I was still a sixteen-year-old youth, following the minister at this naval garrison. Daqiu’s five hundred warships pressed the line. The generals all told you to wait for reinforcements, but you were stubborn—you dared to charge forward with just three ships.”

“The past is past—His Highness need not mention it again. I see this young man Xiao Wei will surely accomplish great things in the future.” Wang Yang found Xiao Wei very pleasing to the eye.

“Xiao Wei will certainly inherit Prince Jing’s position. Moreover, he has strategy within his courage, superior martial skills, and dignified appearance—truly the best candidate for a son-in-law. However, Minister, let me give you advance warning. He still hasn’t taken a principal wife, and the Emperor seems to have intentions of bestowing a marriage. A bestowed marriage would be either a princess or a commandery princess.” Prince Su didn’t know Xiao Wei was choosing his own marriage partner.

“Then that’s Shiniang’s fate.” Wang Yang didn’t mind. “If the two people look favorably upon each other, a princess or commandery princess might not necessarily count as an obstacle.”

These words from Wang Yang carried great weight.

“If he could be favored by Tenth Miss, it would also be tremendous fortune for the Xiao family.” Prince Su believed in his abilities. If Wang Yang’s most beloved granddaughter liked a man, it was almost equivalent to a princess marrying down—she would certainly succeed in marrying him.

Over there, Xiao Wei was being treated as a son-in-law candidate, while over here, Xiao Wei was being treated as a discarded pawn. Wanting to see Mo Zi one more time before parting, he only saw Yuan Cheng. Being someone who cared about face, he refused to say sentimental things like wanting to say goodbye. The result was that until the Chi ship had sailed away, only someone’s neither-cold-nor-warm voice echoed in his ears. If he knew that the moment the garrison gates closed, Mo Zi immediately went up to the deck to “reclaim” the captain’s authority, he’d probably be angry enough to vomit blood.

This had nothing to do with Mo Zi. She didn’t even know Xiao Wei had boarded the Chi ship, because she was in the secret cabin at the time.

This also had nothing to do with Yuan Cheng. He only said she might be sleeping, because it was just a guess and couldn’t be taken as certain. Whoever believed it was unwilling to use their brain.

Wei Jia later told them about Wang Yang’s matter.

Yuan Cheng, as an observer, intuitively felt something was unreasonable. “Wang Yang and Prince Su have deep friendship, and it concerns the Crown Prince’s grand wedding—why didn’t Prince Su agree on the spot? The reasoning is somewhat far-fetched, almost as if it was deliberately arranged to ask Young General Xiao to escort them.” However, clever as he was, he couldn’t imagine the other party had the mentality of finding a husband for his granddaughter.

Mo Zi casually said, “The wedding escort party might have the Crown Princess’s sisters or something—finding a husband’s family for one of them?” Wei Liu’s persistence and Mo Chou’s suicide attempt both happened when this Second Young Master of the Xiao family was on the ship.

Wei Jia loudly declared it impossible.

Yuan Cheng didn’t quite believe it either.

Later, although Mo Zi hit the nail on the head with one sentence, she didn’t anticipate she herself would be stirred into this muddy water and nearly unable to escape unscathed.