Liang Shanbo: The Poor Scholar-Emperor

Chapter 148 Madam Zhu

Zhu Yingtai had already planned ahead. After arriving in Guangling, she intended to get close to Huan, Xie Xuan's wife, and also to frequently visit the wives of Xie Xuan's subordinates.

In her view, these seemingly ordinary interactions and greetings could not only bring some warmth to the people in this poor and remote military town, but also help her husband build good relationships in Xie Xuan's military mansion and pave the way for his future.

After living in Guangling for some time, her resolve only strengthened.

She knew in her heart that her husband came from a poor family and was often looked down upon as a "son-in-law" in Shangyu. Although he had now been recognized by Xie Xuanqing and appointed as a military advisor, his foundation was still shallow in the Guangling military government, which was full of powerful families and intertwined factions.

Liu Laozhi, He Qian, and other generals were all from military families, with a complex web of relatives and friends. They were either related by marriage, family friends, or long-time colleagues, and there was a tacit understanding that was difficult for outsiders to easily integrate into.

Liang Shanbo, a poor boy from out of town, suddenly burst onto the scene. Although he won Xie Xuan's favor with his true abilities, he needed some human touch, goodwill, and understanding to gain the genuine acceptance and recognition of those veteran generals.

As Liang Shanbo's wife, Zhu Yingtai should have, behind the scenes, helped her husband cultivate goodwill, show kindness, and resolve misunderstandings.

Men fight and compete on the battlefield, relying on swords, spears, bows and arrows, and military strategies.

Women navigate social interactions in the halls of the house using words, intentions, and discretion.

That's what she planned, and that's what she did.

On this day, Zhu Yingtai, dressed in simple women's clothing, rode in a blue cloth oxcart to Liu Laozhi's residence in Guangling City to pay a visit to Madam He.

Lady He was Liu Laozhi's principal wife and came from the He clan of Donghai.

The He family of Donghai and the Liu family of Pengcheng were both second-class aristocratic families and military families, and the two families had intermarried for generations. Liu Laozhi's mother was from the He family of Donghai, and Liu Laozhi himself married a woman from the He family of Donghai.

He Qian, an assistant under Xie Xuanmo, was a member of the He clan of Donghai and was related to Liu Laozhi by marriage.

Although Madam He came from a military family and was the wife of a military officer, she was well-educated and knowledgeable from a young age, and had a gentle and kind nature, which contrasted sharply with Liu Laozhi's fierce and arrogant temperament.

When Madam He heard from her servant that Madam Zhu had come to visit, she quickly straightened her clothes and went to greet her personally under the eaves of the main hall.

This was not the first time the two had met. They had met once before at the General's Mansion, at Madam Huan's place, and their impressions of each other were not bad.

Zhu Yingtai stepped forward gracefully, curtsied, and smiled sweetly, saying, "I apologize for my presumptuous visit today, and for disturbing Madam He's peace and quiet."

Madam He quickly returned the greeting, took Zhu Yingtai's hand, and said with a smile, "Madam Zhu, what are you saying? There are not many women in Guangling City to begin with, and even fewer who are worth talking to. I am overjoyed that Madam Zhu is willing to come to my door. There is no need for me to bother you."

Besides, you already sent a letter yesterday, which was very polite. How could you have been presumptuous?

It's freezing outside, come inside and let's talk.

The two walked hand in hand into the main room.

Charcoal was already prepared inside the hall, and the charcoal in the brazier burned bright red, dispelling most of the chill. Although there was still a slight chill, it was much warmer than outside.

Madam He invited Zhu Yingtai to sit down, but Zhu Yingtai did not sit down immediately. Instead, she turned around and took an exquisite bamboo basket from her maid Yuxian, presented it to Madam He with both hands, and said with a smile, "Madam He, these are some pastries that Yingtai made herself. My skills are rough and they are not very good, but they are just a token of my appreciation. I hope you will not find them offensive."

This small tin of tea is Shangyu green tea that Yingtai brought from Kuaiji. Although it cannot compare to the famous teas of Jiankang, it is still fragrant and delicious. Yingtai had heard the lady mention her love of tea at the General's Mansion last time, and she had kept it in mind. Today, she specially brought it for the lady to try.

Madam He took the bamboo basket, looked down at the exquisite pastries and the tin of tea, her face full of gratitude. She thanked them repeatedly, then personally put the pastries and tea away before sitting down opposite Zhu Yingtai.

She secretly admired Madam Zhu; though young, she handled everything so appropriately and thoughtfully. Her words, "Last time at the General's Mansion, I heard..."

When someone mentioned their love for tea, it warmed her heart. She had initially thought it was just casual conversation, but she was surprised that the other person had taken it to heart.

The two sat down and chatted casually.

Zhu Yingtai was eloquent, yet unlike ordinary women, she was not verbose or tedious.

She first chatted about the winter weather in Guangling and daily life in the city, then asked Madam He if there was enough charcoal for winter and if she was used to the food and clothing. Her words were full of natural concern and did not seem pretentious.

The conversation then turned to reading, playing chess, and other such topics.

Zhu Yingtai then talked about Madam He's children and learned that Madam He had a son and a daughter. The son's name was Liu Jingxuan, who was seven years old this year. He was chubby-faced and looked quite like his father.

Zhu Yingtai smiled and said, "Seven years old is the perfect age to begin your studies. Liu, the military advisor, is a son of a military family, and your son will surely be accomplished in both literature and martial arts. If you don't mind, I have a few books suitable for children's early education, which I will send to your son another day."

As the atmosphere gradually warmed up and the formalities between the two melted away, Zhu Yingtai finally steered the conversation toward Liang Shanbo and Liu Laozhi.

Her tone was calm and her words were appropriate. She neither avoided the competition between the two nor exaggerated the conflicts and grudges. She simply said that her husband, Liang Lang, had great respect for Liu Canjun.

Upon hearing this, Madam He sighed softly and sincerely remarked, "My husband, Liu Lang, has a fierce temper and is sometimes as stubborn as a bull. Even I, as his wife, cannot persuade him."

I don't usually ask about things in the military, but after his recent battle with Military Advisor Liang, he came back looking very unwell, so I knew he was up to something again.

He's not a bad person at heart, he's just too competitive, which sometimes makes him offend people.

Zhu Yingtai smiled slightly, her voice becoming even gentler: "Madam He, please don't say that."

My husband, Liang Lang, once told me in private that Liu Canjun is a straightforward person who says what he thinks and never hides anything. Such a person may seem rough and unrefined, but he is actually the easiest to get along with as long as you treat him with sincerity.

Liang Lang also said that Liu Canjun was a veteran general, and his battlefield skills and experience were things he needed to learn from. In the future, when they went to the real battlefield, they would ultimately be comrades-in-arms fighting side by side, not rivals, much less enemies.

"Madam, please don't worry. Sometimes, when men are arguing, it can actually lead to a better relationship."

Zhu Yingtai praised Liu Laozhi for being straightforward and approachable, and casually described the relationship between Liang Shanbo and Liu Laozhi as "becoming friends after a fight," which also subtly echoed Madam He's statement that Liu Laozhi was "not bad at heart." This warmed Madam He's heart, and her smile became even more genuine.

The two hit it off as they talked, chatting for a full half hour, still not quite done.

Madam He insisted on inviting Zhu Yingtai to a banquet, but Zhu Yingtai politely declined with a smile, saying she would visit another day before taking her leave.

Madam He personally escorted her to the courtyard gate, watching the oxcart rumble away before turning back into the house.

That evening, Liu Laozhi returned home from the camp outside the city, removed his armor, and sat down in the hall.

Madam He poured him a cup of hot tea and told him about Zhu Yingtai's visit that day. She praised Zhu Yingtai for being well-educated, polite, and eloquent, and told him in detail about Zhu Yingtai's words, "Liu Canjun is straightforward and we should treat him with sincerity."

He added at the end, "Since Military Advisor Liang praised you so much in private, you mustn't show him any disrespect in public."

Liu Laozhi held his teacup for a moment, his purplish-red face displaying a complex expression, a mixture of surprise and emotion.

He was known for his fierce and arrogant demeanor. People either cowered in his presence or confronted him head-on. Very few would speak so frankly and fairly behind his back.

After a moment of silence, he said in a deep voice, "Although Liang Shanbo is young, he is indeed talented and has a broad mind."

For him to say that was already a very high compliment.

Another day, Zhu Yingtai brought some pastries she had made herself and a piece of fine silk from Kuaiji. She traveled by oxcart to He Qian's residence to visit He Qian's wife, Madam Liu.

Both He Qian and Liu Laozhi's wives came from the He clan of Donghai, and the two were of the same clan.

He Qian's wife, Madam Liu, was not from the same clan as Liu Laozhi.

"Liu" is the most common military surname among the refugees in Xu and Yan, and many refugee leaders and lower-ranking officers are surnamed Liu. He Qian once served in Yu Xi's military government, where he married a colleague surnamed Liu.

This Mrs. Liu was not well-educated, but she was cheerful and straightforward, and her laughter was like the sound of silver bells.

Zhu Yingtai presented some snacks and silk. Madam Liu took the silk and was both surprised and delighted. She held it in her hands and touched it again and again, saying that it was rare to buy such fine material in Guangling.

Knowing that Madam Liu had little interest in poetry, literature, chess, or the like, Zhu Yingtai mainly told her about her own amusing experiences of studying at Wansong Academy disguised as a man.

Madam Liu's eyes lit up as she listened, sometimes slapping her thigh and laughing, sometimes patting her chest in relief, repeatedly saying, "Madam Zhu is so brave," and then asking for many more details.

After He Qian returned home from the camp that day, Madam Liu hurriedly told him about Zhu Yingtai's visit that day. She also showed him the silk handkerchief, praising Zhu Yingtai for her generosity and kindness, and marveling at her story of how she disguised herself as a man to pursue her studies. She praised her endlessly.

Upon hearing this, He Qian couldn't help but feel more favorably toward Liang Shanbo and his wife, and said with a smile, "Liang Shanbo is a rare talent, skilled in both literature and martial arts. His wife also has such courage and ability. They are truly a match made in heaven."

Another day, Lady Zhang, the wife of Zhuge Kan, sent someone with a letter, saying that she wanted to pay a visit.

Zhu Yingtai readily agreed, prepared tea, snacks, and fruit, and swept the courtyard.

Madam Zhang came from the Zhang family of Gaoping. Her family had a long history of scholarship, and she was well-versed in poetry and literature from a young age. She was quite talented in literature and was usually quiet and reserved. She did not care about ordinary women.

However, she had met Zhu Yingtai twice before, and the two found they got along very well when discussing poetry and literature. She had already considered Zhu Yingtai a close friend in her heart.

On this day, Madam Zhang and Zhu Yingtai discussed poetry and literature, enjoyed tea and played chess. They talked about the merits of Qu Yuan and Song Yu, the spirit of the Jian'an period, the local customs of Shangyu, and their experiences in Guangling. Half a day passed in the blink of an eye.

As Madam Zhang was leaving, Zhu Yingtai took a copy of the "Chu Ci" (Songs of Chu) from the bookshelf and gave it to her. Madam Zhang held it carefully in her arms and, holding Zhu Yingtai's hand, said, "You must come again another day."

Zhu Yingtai smiled and nodded, then escorted her to the courtyard gate.

That day, Zhuge Kan returned home from the General's Mansion. Madam Zhang told him about her visit to Madam Zhu that day, and then took out the handwritten copy of "Chu Ci" for him to see. She praised Zhu Yingtai for her extensive knowledge and sincerity, saying that talking with her was like drinking fine wine, and the more you savor it, the more delicious it becomes.

Upon hearing this, Zhuge Kan stroked his beard and smiled, saying, "This Military Advisor Liang is a man of both literary and military talent, with a profound understanding of strategy. I observe that his methods of training troops and governing the army are beyond the reach of ordinary officers."

Hearing your words today, I realize that his wife is also so talented and courageous, so adept at handling people, and able to discuss poetry and literature with you on the same wavelength. This couple truly complement each other perfectly.

"It's your good fortune to befriend such a person, and it's also a blessing for our family."

On this day, Lady Huan, Xie Xuan's wife, specially arranged an elegant gathering at the general's mansion, inviting all of Xie Xuan's subordinates and their families to attend.

Among those invited were Zhu Yingtai, wife of Liang Shanbo; Lady He, wife of Liu Laozhi; Lady Liu, wife of He Qian; Lady Zhang, wife of Zhuge Kan; and several other family members of generals and officers.

The gathering was held in the flower hall of the General's Mansion's rear residence. The hall was full of people and quite lively, with charcoal fire burning and tea smoke rising.

The ladies either discussed poetry and chatted idly, or exchanged information about the local customs and traditions of their hometowns and the trivialities of life in Guangling during winter.

Zhu Yingtai sat among the ladies, speaking politely and smiling warmly. She neither overshadowed the host nor remained silent and neglected others. She could chat with anyone, and except for one or two people, she could get along well with everyone, as if all the ladies present were her old friends and acquaintances, rather than new acquaintances she had only met a few times.

After the gathering ended, the ladies took their leave one after another. Lady Huan kept Zhu Yingtai until the very end, personally taking her hand and seeing her off to the second gate before returning to the inner quarters.

When Xie Xuan arrived at the inner residence, Madam Huan served him hot tea and, with a smile, recounted the details of the gathering that day.

Madam Huan sighed, "Among all the people who came today, Zhu Yingtai is truly outstanding in terms of talent, courage, and interpersonal skills. She is quite similar to our elder sister in terms of demeanor. No wonder our elder sister likes her so much. It is truly rare."

Xie Xuan smiled slightly, picked up his teacup and took a sip, then sighed, "This Zhu Yingtai is truly a rare and extraordinary woman."

Back then, it was already an astonishing act for a woman to disguise herself as a man and go to Qiantang alone to study; later, when she followed Shanbo to Shining to seek help from me, her courage was something that ordinary women could hardly match.

Now, he followed Shanbo north to Guangling to join the army. In this harsh and remote border town, he not only had no complaints, but also took the initiative to travel around and befriend the families of the officers and soldiers.

It was a blessing for Shanbo to have this woman as his wife. No, it should be said that they complemented each other perfectly.

Without Yingtai, there would be no Liang Shanbo as we know him today; without Shanbo, Yingtai would not be Zhu Yingtai as we know her today. Neither of them could do without the other; neither could live without the other.

Lady Huan nodded.

She had been through it all and understood the sentiment in her husband's words.

In this world, to have someone who truly loves you, understands you, and can help you accompany you on your journey is such a rare blessing.

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