Late Han Zhao Tang

Chapter 19 Marriage (Two in One)

In the evening, the sun gradually sets.

In the stone pavilion, Zhang Yu and Sun Zi sat opposite each other, discussing matters of respective concern.

"It's autumn now. Judging from the date, Yanlong will be traveling to Luoyang soon!" said Zhang Yu.

"There are still six or seven days left!"

Sun Zi was silent for a moment, then asked, "After I go to Luoyang, what are Ji'an's plans?"

Zhang Yu hesitated for a moment and replied, "To be honest, since the day we parted, I have been thinking about Yanlong's words. Studying with Lord Changwen is not a long-term strategy. I need to find another way out."

Sun Zi looked around, lowered his voice, and asked, "I wonder what the relationship between Ji'an and Miss Wang is like?"

"What does Yanlong mean?" Zhang Yu asked with his eyes slightly narrowed.

Sun Zi whispered, "Daughter Wang is a beauty of state, well-educated and well-mannered, and famous in Bingzhou. This year, there is an endless stream of people coming to her house to propose marriage, including many dignitaries. Wen Shao even came to her house to ask for a lesson in order to gain the appreciation of Lord Chang Wen."

Zhang Yu remained calm and asked, "Does Yanlong want me to marry Miss Wang?"

"Of course!"

Sun Zi said in a calm voice, "Ji An has the ambition to accomplish something, but if he does not rely on external forces, how can he fly high like an eagle?"

"You have a handsome face, tall stature and broad body, and your beauty is not found in ordinary men. If you can marry the daughter of the Wang family, you will definitely be supported by the Wang family, and then you don't have to worry about your future."

Sun Zi might not have been able to see through Zhang Yu before, but after Zhang Yu started with his brother and sister-in-law and made him owe him a favor, Sun Zi was certain that Zhang Yu must have his own ambitions, otherwise he would never have gone to so much trouble to win him over!

Considering that he saw Wang Ji and Zhang Yu chatting and laughing today, Sun Zi came up with this plan to see if Zhang Yu could seize this opportunity.

And Zhang Yu fell silent!
Sun Zi's words seemed straightforward, but they pointed out a shortcut for Zhang Yu. If he could marry Wang Ji, there was no doubt that with Wang's political support, he would be even more powerful, and his future would no longer be a worry for him, and he would surely be able to make a difference in troubled times.

To be honest, Zhang Yu had thought about this issue himself even without Sun Zi saying so.

However, Zhang Yu did not forget his old words. The reason why he liked to tease Wang Ji was not because of her family background, but because he was attracted to Wang Ji.

After all, how can a scholar be said to be obsessed with wealth and fame?
He must be in love with the girl, so he would take action. And the Wang family's wealth was just something Wang Ji brought with him, so how could it be that Zhang Yu took the initiative to ask for it?

"Jian?"

Seeing that Zhang Yu remained silent for a long time, Sun Zi asked, "What is Ji'an thinking about?"

Zhang Yu hesitated for a moment and said, "What Yanlong said is not without reason. He is only seeking to marry the daughter of a rich man because he is greedy for the power of the Wang family. This is not what Yu wants to do."

Sun Zi frowned slightly and asked, "What does Miss Wang look like and what is her personality like?"

"beautiful woman!"

"Then why doesn't Ji An intend to marry the daughter of the king?"

Sun Zi revealed the secret, saying: "When I visited Duke Changwen today, I saw Wen Shi coming to ask for marriage, and asked for a thousand gold coins to marry Wen Shao. If Wen Shao is the son-in-law of Duke Changwen, he will not tolerate you because of the rift between him and Ji An."

Zhang Yu frowned, obviously dissatisfied with the news.

Sun Zi changed the subject and said, "Recently, Duke Changwen has been quite dissatisfied with Wen Shao. He did not approve Wen Shao's marriage proposal at the beginning of the year, let alone now. Having said that, I hope Ji'an will make plans early to avoid missing out on a good match."

Zhang Yu pondered for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Why did Yanlong persuade me to marry Miss Wang?"

Sun Zi was stunned for a moment, then said, "Zi received the favor of Ji'an, and I dare not fail to repay him. Now Miss Wang is a beauty, well-educated and sensible; and although Ji'an's family background is inferior, he is handsome and tall, and a handsome man. If you can marry Miss Wang, it will be of great benefit to Ji'an."

Sun Zi persuaded Zhang Yu to marry Wang Ji, not only because he wanted to repay his gratitude, but also because of his own selfish motives. As a poor scholar, he was recommended to study at Luoyang Imperial College thanks to Wang Hong's appreciation.

But what about the future after studying?
If he were not appreciated by an important figure, he would probably only be recruited as a county official. If he wanted to become a county magistrate, he would probably have to spend more than ten years building his network.

And if he could help Zhang Yu to succeed in his quest for the throne of Prince Ji, with the merits of his advice today and Zhang Yu's personality, he would probably use the Wang family's political resources to help him, and he could then save several years of hard work.

As for Zhang Yu, because he married Wang Ji, he will be able to struggle less for decades in life!

The science fiction story of a man who was conscripted as a filial and incorrupt official, entered the government as a palace official, and was later sent out to serve as an official in a remote area might actually happen to Zhang Yu.

Why is Xiaolian - Langguan - Changli considered a science fiction story? Because only the children of top aristocratic families can enjoy this treatment. In the late Han Dynasty, only the second generation of top families such as Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, Yuan Shu, and Gongsun Zan who was favored by the Luoyang Hou family could enjoy such treatment.

After saying so much, Sun Zi saw that Zhang Yu was still silent, and felt a little disappointed. He changed the subject and said, "Zi was just chatting and laughing, Ji An should not take it seriously!"

"Not that I don't want to!"

Zhang Yu reached out and took Sun Zi's arm, saying, "The reason why I didn't respond for a long time is because I didn't know how to reply to Yan Long."

"The daughter of the king is a beautiful woman, and Yu has long wanted to pursue her. However, he did not pursue her because of her power, but because of his admiration for her."

Hearing this, Sun Zi couldn't help but complain, feeling helpless about Zhang Yu's pretense. It turned out that Zhang Yu had long wanted to marry Wang Qianjin, but he just didn't express his opinion. In the face of his own persuasion for his own interests, he even brought up the fact that he admired Wang Qianjin.

From this point of view, Sun Zi had to admit that Zhang Yu was a man of great ambition and would not easily express his views. He was so calm and composed at such a young age, and he would definitely not be an ordinary person in the future.

Zhang Yu threw out the difficult question in his mind and said, "Even if I want to marry Miss Wang, I am afraid that my status is too low to be favored by Lord Chang Wen!"

Sun Zi smiled slightly and said, "Duke Changwen has two sons and one daughter, but the most favored one is not the two sons, but the daughter of the king. In the past, there were many guests coming to visit, including many children of wealthy families. Duke Changwen always asked the daughter's opinion first before rejecting them.

"If the princess favors Ji'an, even if Duke Changwen is unwilling, he may marry Ji'an because of her looks and talent. Duke Changwen also values Ji'an and teaches him military theory. Although the story is difficult, it may be possible!"

"When Duke Wen of Chang got a good son-in-law and Ji An got a good wife, wouldn't they be happy?"

Although marriages in the Han Dynasty were mainly based on the opinions of parents, it does not mean that all parents would act arbitrarily. After all, parents always love their children and will always seek their children's opinions before such major life events.

"good!"

Zhang Yu seemed to be thinking about something, and said, "I will remember what Yanlong said. But this matter is of great importance, so let me think about it carefully."

"Thank you Yanlong for the reminder!"

"dare not"

Sun Zi cupped his hands and said, "If Ji'an has any urgent matters, please send someone to inform me and I will do my best to help him."

They chatted for a while longer, and as it was getting dark, Sun Zi got up to say goodbye, leaving Zhang Yu alone in the pavilion.

Not long after Sun Zi left, Li Song arrived.

"Jian!"

"Bersong!"

Zhang Yu motioned for Li Song to sit down and said, "Bo Song, I have something to tell you!"

"What's the matter?"

Seeing Zhang Yu's solemn expression, Li Song asked.

"Hmm~"

Zhang Yu pondered for a moment and said, "Does Bosong remember the daughter of Duke Changwen?"

"Remember!"

Li Song recalled Wang Ji's face and asked curiously, "I wonder what Ji'an is asking?"

Zhang Yu looked gloomy and asked, "Yanlong just came here to give me a suggestion, saying that we can ask the prince for marriage and marry the prince's daughter. I wonder if Bosong has a different opinion?"

"what?"

Li Song was shocked and asked, "Is what Ji An said a joke?"

Zhang Yu pressed down his hands, signaling Li Song not to worry, and relayed Sun Zi's words of advice to Li Song.

Listening to the pros and cons, Li Song's expression became slightly solemn, and he said: "Yanlong's words are not without reason. If Ji'an can marry Wang's daughter and get the help of Wang's family, Ji'an will achieve great things sooner or later."

Zhang Yu showed a strange look and said, "I thought Bosong would object?"

"Because of Su Yi?" Li Song asked back.

"Correct!"

Zhang Yuwei sighed and said, "Su Yi and I have been childhood sweethearts. If I ask Wang for marriage now, it will hurt Su Yi's heart."

Li Song looked helpless and said, "Although I am Su Yi's elder brother, I have to speak frankly about Ji An's important affairs. If Ji An lives a stable life, Su Yi can be a good match for him. However, Ji An has great ambitions, and Su Yi's family background makes him difficult to be a good match for him."

"On the contrary, Miss Wang is the daughter of Lord Chang Wen. If Ji'an can marry Miss Wang and get the help of the Wang family, he will be even more powerful. If Wen Shao marries Miss Wang, there will be a gap between Ji'an and him, and there will be no place for you and me in Taiyuan in the future."

"I can't bear to hurt Su Yi's heart!" Zhang Yu said. Li Song reached out and held Zhang Yu's hand, saying, "Although it hurts Su Yi's heart, Ji An can't be indecisive when it comes to important matters. If he looks back and forth, he may lose the daughter of Wang and hurt Su Yi's heart. If Su Yi knows about this, I will explain it to Ji An."

Hearing this, Zhang Yu was deeply moved and said, "Su Yi and I grew up together and have a deep friendship that cannot be compared to a princess's money. From now on, I will definitely treat Su Yi well."

"As long as I have Ji'an's words, I will be satisfied!" Li Song sighed.

Since Li Song was not an outsider, Zhang Yu asked truthfully, "I have known Miss Wang for a long time, but I don't know what Miss Wang means now?"

Li Song thought for a moment and said, "The Wen family is here to ask for marriage, but they will return empty-handed. Why don't you use this to test Miss Wang and see what she thinks?"

"Testing the daughter of the king?"

Zhang Yu touched his smooth chin and said, "It's just as Bosong meant!"

Hearing this, Li Song seemed to understand something and deliberately asked, "Where does Ji'an usually meet Miss Wang?"

"In the pavilion at the back mountain~"

Zhang Yu was thinking about what to say when Li Song suddenly asked him the question, and he was caught off guard and blurted out the answer.

Halfway through his words, Zhang Yu immediately realized that this was Li Song testing him.

"Okay!"

With the evidence, Li Song grabbed Zhang Yu's arm and said angrily: "I thought Ji'an was studying hard in Shiting, but I didn't expect him to hide it from everyone and have a private relationship with Wang Qianjin, and even dare to ask for marriage. If Lord Changwen knew about this, he would not tolerate you!"

Just as Li Song said, Wang Hong kindly let Zhang Yu study in the stone pavilion outside the outer courtyard, but Zhang Yu sneaked into the forest of the inner house and flirted with Wang Hong's favorite cabbage. If Wang Hong knew about this, he would probably chop Zhang Yu with a knife.

"wrong!"

Because they were near Wang's mountain courtyard, Zhang Yu was afraid that the Wang family members would know, so he quickly grabbed Li Song's hand and said, "Bo Song, be careful with your words and don't talk nonsense!"

Li Song sneered a few times and said, "He intended to marry her, but was afraid that Su Yi would be sad, so he used his words to persuade me. Ji An is really amazing!"

Zhang Yu smiled bitterly and said, "Yu has no other intentions. The reason why I have this idea now is because Yanlong strongly persuaded me. If Bosong doesn't want me to marry Wang's daughter, I will go home and marry Su Yi immediately!"

"Humph!"

Seeing Zhang Yu retreating to advance, Li Song snorted coldly, punched Zhang Yu's shoulder hard, and said, "You can handle the matter of Su Yi!"

"Su Yi and I have been childhood sweethearts, I would never dare to treat her badly!"

Knowing that Li Song was venting his anger for Li Suyi, Zhang Yu did not dare to retort and could only agree repeatedly.
-
It was late at night, and the Wang family compound was brightly lit.

In the lobby, Wang Hong was kneeling on the couch, while Wen Shao and his father Wen Fu were kneeling beside the hall.

"Brother Changwen!"

Wen Fu looked at the gifts on display in the hall and said, "The Wen and Wang families have lived together in Qi County since ancient times and have a fellow-township friendship. Now my son Bo Xu has grown up, and your daughter has reached the age of marriage, so why not strengthen the relationship between the Wang and Wen families?"

Wang Hong stroked his beautiful beard and said tactfully: "The Wen and Wang families have been intermarried for generations, and their blood has long been intertwined. Although I am interested in marriage, my daughter is still young and inexperienced in worldly affairs. I am afraid she will not be a good wife for the Wen family."

Wen Fu heard Wang Hong's refusal and said with a bow, "Your daughter is well-educated and well-mannered, but my son is useless. Although he has made progress since he followed you to study, he has a stubborn character and has disappointed Lord Chang Wen!"

"Don't dare!"

Wang Hong stroked his beard and said, "Although Bo Xu has a bad temper, he is very intelligent. If he studies hard, he will become a great man in the future."

Hearing this, Wen Shao knelt down in front of Wang Hong and pleaded, "Master Wang, Shao knows that I have a bad temper and don't like to study, but I love your sister. I hope Master Wang can agree to the marriage. From now on, Shao will follow Master Wang day and night, study diligently, and make a career!"

"This~"

Seeing Wen Shao suddenly kneeling, Wang Hong hurriedly stood up and said, "I don't dislike Bo Xu for being naughty, but marriage is a serious matter and I can't make a decision on my own. Besides, Ling'er is young and I'm not in good health. I still need Ji'er to take care of me on weekdays."

"I can also take care of Master Wang!" Wen Shao said innocently.

Hearing this, Wang Hong couldn't help but roll his eyes. He didn't know whether to say that Wen Shao was smart or stupid. Didn't he hear such obvious excuses?
In order to change the topic of marriage, Wang Hong asked, "I wonder how Wen Jun is doing these days?"

……

In the outer courtyard, Wang Hong was arguing with Wen Shi, using words to politely reject Wen Shao's proposal of marriage.

In the courtyard, the plump and unhealthy Wang Mu half-leaned on the couch, softly persuading Wang Ji to get married. But Wang Ji stroked the round fan, tilted his head and said nothing, his eyes revealing reluctance.

"Shu Lan, what do you think?" the Queen Mother asked in a gentle voice.

"not so good!"

Wang Ji twirled the round fan with his slender fingers and said dissatisfiedly, "Wen Shao is a rich and wealthy man. If I agree to it now, I'm afraid I won't suffer with him."

"suffer?"

The Queen Mother frowned slightly, not understanding, and said, "The Wen family has been a family of two thousand stone for generations. Among all the families in Taiyuan, except for the Guo family, the Wen family is the only one with great reputation. If you agree to his marriage, and the two families work together, Wen Shao will be selected as a filial and honest official in a short time, and then he will be able to enter the court as an official. There is no need to suffer."

In the Eastern Han Dynasty, the Wang family was not the top family like in the Wei and Jin Dynasties. The real top family was the Yangqu Guo family. The Wen family was second only to the Guo family because they had many large families and had produced senior officials in modern times.

In the past decade or so, the two kings of Taiyuan have shown a tendency to catch up, while the Linghu clan has gradually weakened due to a lack of talent.

Wang Ji was not happy and said, "Those who are lucky enough to advance by relying on their father's power are not good people. If Wen Shao was a child from a poor family, how could my father allow him to enter the family to study?"

The Queen Mother coughed a few times and said, "A woman should take care of her husband and children. Why should she worry about external affairs?"

"There are many talented people in the Wen family now. Take Wen Shu as an example. He is only 30 years old, but he has been promoted to a rank of 2,000-stone official. With time, he will surely be promoted to one of the Three Dukes. There is no need to worry about the decline of the Wen family!"

Wang Ji played with his round fan and said, "Wen Shu is Wen Shu, what does it have to do with Wen Shao? Is it possible that my Wang family has fallen into decline?"

The big family may seem like one family, but it has long been scattered as the branches have multiplied. As Wang Ji said, the strength of the Wen family does not mean that Wen Shao is outstanding. Especially after Wen Shao is no longer able to help others, the Wen family may turn to training other people.

"You!"

Seeing Wang Ji constantly refuting her words, the Queen Mother's blood surged back and forth. She coughed a few times and said, "If you don't marry now, when are you going to marry? Are you going to wait until I die before you are willing to marry?"

"Mother, you are talking nonsense again!"

Wang Ji looked helpless and said, "Although my mother has been ill for many years, she is fine after recuperation. It is unreasonable to force me to get married on the grounds of illness!"

"Wen Shao is not a good man. If I marry him, I will be bullied and beaten by him. I wonder if my mother will feel bad for him?"

"Ji'er is right!"

When the Queen Mother wanted to speak, she saw Wang Hong walk in with his hands behind his back, a serious expression on his face.

"Husband!"

"Father!"

The Queen Mother asked, "How is Wen Shao?"

Wang Hong shook his head and said, "Although Wen Shao's words and actions are sincere and heartfelt, judging from his past words and deeds, he has a stubborn temper and has not changed despite repeated teachings. He is not a good match for Ji'er."

Wang Hong smiled with satisfaction and said, "Ji'er is very insightful. Wen Shu is Wen Shu, what does it have to do with Wen Shao? My Wang family is not short of wealth, but we are short of men with lofty ambitions!"

Seeing that her husband was not optimistic about Wen Shao, the Queen Mother sighed and said, "As a woman, I can still speak on matters of marriage. But if you want to observe people's behavior, then your husband is the most important."

Wang Hong stroked his beard and smiled, and asked, "Ji'er, you dare to say that Wen Shao is incompetent. I wonder who you want to marry?"

Hearing this, Wang Ji couldn't help but think of Zhang Yu's face. She covered her pretty face with a round fan and whispered, "A man who can be my husband must be able to shoot with a bow when on horseback, and be able to read scriptures and study when off horseback. He must be handsome, have interesting words and deeds, and have great ambitions, and dare to do things that ordinary people dare not do!"

The Queen Mother was somewhat speechless and said, "There are few men like you in the world. If Ji'er takes this as a standard, you will probably grow old alone!"

"Mother is talking nonsense again!"

Wang Ji smiled and said, "My uncle studied classics and practiced riding and archery when he was young. He killed a eunuch at the age of nineteen and became famous at the age of twenty. Now he is appreciated by General He, Grand Marshal Yuan, and Minister of Civil Affairs Yang, and his ambition to help the world will be realized."

"So how can you say there is no such man in the world? Who knows, he might be in Taiyuan, or somewhere else in Bingzhou!"

Wang Hong's eyes were full of affection for Wang Ji, and he smiled and said, "Ji'er is outstanding, why can't she ask such a man to be her husband?"

"Just find it!" said the Queen Mother unhappily.

"Whee!"

Wang Ji covered her face with a round fan and smiled. Although she really wanted Wang Hong to investigate Zhang Yu, she knew very well that she could not speak.

ps: I have something to do today, so I won’t update it for now. This is a two-in-one chapter
(End of this chapter)