Late Ming Dynasty: Starting with the overthrow of the county magistrate, a rebellion was launched to

Zhang Da's vow was so powerful and resounding that even after a long pause, it still echoed in the hall.

"We've gone this far, I'm begging you for an answer, even if it's not some four counties and one prefecture."

Zhang Da inwardly groaned; he really didn't want to continue this battle of wits and schemes with Yang Sichang.

Finally, after half a minute of silence, Yang Sichang gently tightened his grip on Zhang Da's arm, helping him to stand up.

The scrutiny in the minister's eyes softened into a gentle smile as Zhang Da swore his oath, and his tone became slightly more sincere.

"Good lad, since you are so loyal, I will naturally trust you."

Yang Sichang slowly strolled back to his seat, then summoned the servants outside, as if what was about to happen was no longer so secretive. He then gestured to the servants to pour more tea, saying, "However, in chaotic times, empty oaths are not enough. A harmonious relationship between ruler and subject requires not only familial bonds and shared destiny, but also mutual support. After much deliberation, I wish to betroth my wife's cousin, née Yang, to you as your concubine. What do you say?"

Get a high-ranking official position, and you'll even get a wife as a bonus!

This is something every man dreams of, but for Zhang Da, it serves as a warning.

Sending Yang here was definitely to monitor Zhang Da's every move and to check his overwhelming power in central Hunan.

So Zhang Da looked up abruptly, neither agreeing nor immediately kneeling in gratitude, caught in a dilemma.

Lady Yang was Yang Sichang's cousin from his wife's family. By seniority, she was a close relative of the military governor, and by social status, she was a noblewoman from an official family. At only fifteen or sixteen years old, her gentle and courteous reputation had already spread throughout Xiangyang Prefecture.

Refuse? That would be slapping Yang Sichang in the face in public, no different from openly admitting that he harbored rebellious intentions, was unwilling to be bound by the court, and that all his previous oaths of loyalty were just empty words.

Given Yang Sichang's temperament and methods, he might even find it difficult to step out of the governor's headquarters, let alone take charge of Baoqing...

Zhang Da felt it was inappropriate to agree, since he had previously cultivated a lecherous image and now pretend to be devoted...

But that would be like having a pair of eyes watching you day and night.

Did he really have any lingering feelings for the Ming Dynasty? Did he really intend to let the Ming Dynasty be passed down from generation to generation?

If they were to secretly amass power in the future, wouldn't all of that fall into the eyes of the Yang family and be relayed back to Yang Sichang word for word?

Zhang Da's mind raced, and in a moment he had figured out the key points. However, he deliberately put on a look of fear and helplessness, and hurriedly bowed again, his tone earnest but also somewhat hesitant.

"How can this be, Your Excellency?" He repeatedly declined, bowing his head even lower. "I come from humble origins, having once raised an army against the government. I am a remnant of a criminal, how dare I dishonor Your Excellency's family? Moreover, I am already engaged to Zhou Nianhui, the daughter of a local gentry in Shaoyang, and we recently married. She has been made my principal wife. I dare not allow my noble lady to be relegated to a concubine. I absolutely cannot comply with this request!"

Since it wasn't his own daughter who was becoming a concubine, Yang Sichang didn't care, so he simply stroked his beard and chuckled.

"You need not be alarmed, nor need you refuse. This matter is settled." Yang Sichang said calmly, beginning to act as matchmaker. "I know you are already engaged, so this woman will only be a concubine to serve you and live a peaceful life."

What else can Zhang Da say?

"Zhang Da dared not disobey the commander's order."

Yang Sichang was somewhat displeased to see that Zhang Da was still hesitant.

Even if she weren't my daughter, wouldn't you still be marrying above your station?

"You think I'm using this to monitor you? Wrong! In chaotic times, when employing people, if you doubt them, don't use them; if you use them, don't doubt them. I'm betrothing my own cousin to you to give you status and a powerful backer! You come from the countryside, without any connections or factions. Countless upright officials and old forces in the Huguang bureaucracy look down on your background and secretly hinder your actions. With this marriage, you are now my family, a guest of the Yang family. From now on, no one will dare to insult you, no one will dare to frame you in secret!"

Now that things have come to this, Zhang Da, you can choose the expression you want to make.

Zhang Da sighed deeply, then appeared to have "suddenly realized" something, his eyes filled with tears of gratitude. He knelt down with a "plop" and kowtowed heavily.

"This humble servant is foolish! I almost failed to live up to the Minister's kindness!" His voice choked again, filled with sincere emotion. "The Minister did not treat me because of my humble origins, but instead entrusted me with the responsibility of a close relative, bestowing upon me this blessed marriage. This kindness and virtue are beyond my ability to repay, even if I were to die a thousand deaths! This humble servant... this humble servant accepts! I wish to marry Lady Yang, and in this life, I will never fail the Minister, nor Lady Yang, and will forever remain loyal to Xiangzhong!"

That's right!

Seeing this, Yang Sichang finally smiled with relief, and personally helped him up, his tone as gentle as a spring breeze.

"Good! Good! From now on, we are in-laws. Let us work together to quell the bandits and bring peace to the world."

Now that Zhang Da had "thankfully" agreed, the rest was much simpler—it was just a matter of discussing the wedding arrangements.

Zhang Da naturally wanted to hold the event in Shaoyang, since it was his own territory, he felt more at ease. However, Zhang Da's decision wasn't final; Yang Sichang ultimately decided to hold it in Xiangyang, since that way they could stay there for a few days.

Therefore, the two decided to hold a simple wedding five days later at a side courtyard of the Governor's Office in Xiangyang. Zhang Daye could also use this opportunity to stay in Xiangyang for a few more days to finalize the subsequent handover of power in Baoqing.

After giving his instructions, Yang Sichang clapped his hands twice towards the inner hall.

"Summon Madam Yang out."

Light footsteps and the soft tinkling of jade pendants marked the emergence of a slender figure from behind the beaded curtain of the inner hall.

Zhang Da looked up and was immediately struck by a bright light.

The girl was about fifteen or sixteen years old, with a slender and well-proportioned figure. She wore a light blue silk jacket with a moon-white vest over it, and her skirt draped like a lotus. Despite her attire, she did not exude any arrogance or nobility, but rather appeared gentle and compliant.

Her appearance was exceptionally beautiful, with eyebrows like distant mountains, eyes like autumn waters, clear and bright pupils, a small and straight nose, lips naturally red, and skin as white as jade.

Under Zhang Da's unwavering gaze, the woman walked lightly and gracefully into the hall, where she knelt and curtsied, her voice soft and melodious, like the first song of a nightingale.

"Mrs. Yang greets the Commander-in-Chief and... Lord Zhang."

A faint blush graced Yang's cheeks, a mixture of shyness and poise. What was most captivating was her exquisitely curvaceous figure; her waist was slender as a willow, her shoulders like those of a sculpted figure, giving one the urge to hold her tightly and never let go.

Yang Sichang looked at Zhang Da, who was in a daze, then at her, and softened his tone, solemnly instructing her in person.

"Madam Yang, from this day forward, Zhang Da is your husband. After you enter the household, you must be dutiful and dutiful in serving your husband, taking care of his daily needs. You must not be arrogant or vie for his favor. Do you understand?"

Lady Yang lowered her head and bowed again respectfully, saying, "This humble servant will remember the Commander's teachings and dare not disobey them. I will certainly serve my husband wholeheartedly, be dutiful and obedient, and never speak or act recklessly."

Yang Sichang nodded in satisfaction and looked at Zhang Da.

"It's getting late. You may take Madam Yang to the warm pavilion in the west courtyard to settle in... Zhang Da... Zhang Da?"

Zhang Da wasn't actually a lecherous man, but upon seeing this woman, he was momentarily bewitched and didn't even hear what Yang Sichang was saying.

"Ah... Oh, thank you for the arrangement, Minister Xie." Zhang Da made no attempt to hide his elation and said to the woman, "Ms. Yang, please."

Madam Yang nodded slightly and followed closely beside Zhang Da, and the two of them left the hall together...