Thank you to Nora7 for the ko-fi~ ❀⸜(˶´ ˘ `˶)⸝❀
“General Yi, my master has important matters to discuss; please come to the mansion for a conversation.”
Returning from the main camp, just as he entered the city gates, Yiyan was intercepted by the steward of the Duan residence. Despite both being close confidants of the lord, their roles were distinct—one in civil affairs and the other in military matters. Their positions were sensitive, and they had little private interaction. An event like “a conversation at the mansion” had never occurred before.
Yiyan had known Duan Qin for quite some time and understood that he wasn’t someone who stirred up trouble without reason. Stationed specifically here, there must be urgent matters. Therefore, he only furrowed his brows slightly and followed the steward towards the Duan mansion.
Duan Qin, as the registrar of the provincial governor, was granted a residence in Jinyang City after the restoration of normal order. The mansion, not luxurious, was quite close to the provincial governor’s residence, not extravagant but sufficient for solitary living, a clear demonstration of the lord’s favor.
Perhaps informed in advance, when Yiyan arrived at the Duan residence, Duan Qin was already waiting outside, personally welcoming him. Given their comparable statuses, it was a matter of courtesy. Seeing Yiyan dismount, Duan Qin quickly approached, “I implore General Yi to forgive the abrupt invitation.”
“Registrar Duan, please don’t be overly polite.” Yiyan properly returned the courtesy, and they walked together into the mansion.
In the main hall, after seating themselves, tea was served. Duan Qin sighed, “With General’s status, you should have had a separate residence long ago. Now, requesting the General’s presence is indeed inconvenient.”
In the earlier chaotic times of Jinyang City, it was not evident as all the advisers were crowded in the provincial governor’s residence. Later, with the stabilization of the situation, confidants of Duan Qin’s level were allocated official residences, accommodating their families as well. Yiyan, still residing in the provincial governor’s backyard, stood out uniquely. He was undoubtedly one of the top figures in the Bing County army; talking about an official residence was not enough—directly establishing a general’s residence would be appropriate. Continuing to stay in the provincial governor’s residence was increasingly inappropriate.
Though Duan Qin’s words were tactful, the underlying implication was clear. Yiyan furrowed his brows, “I am alone; there’s no need for such a large mansion. I wonder why Registrar Duan invited me today, what important matter is it?”
The conversation took a rather abrupt turn. Duan Qin, not surprised by Yiyan’s reaction, smiled, “Indeed, it is an important matter. General should be aware of the matter concerning the envoy from the Xiongnu, right?”
Yiyan naturally knew and understood that the lord had immediately dismissed the Xiongnu envoy. If not, he wouldn’t have been able to stay in the camp until now. Liu Yuan was merely spouting nonsense; even if it angered someone, it wouldn’t be enough to trouble Duan Qin for consultation.
Seemingly sensing the skepticism in Yiyan’s eyes, Duan Qin no longer beat around the bush and directly said, “Liu Yuan, that old rascal, is not advising surrender but sowing discord. The emperor has just moved the capital, and if he hears of this, he will undoubtedly suspect the instability of Bing County. Therefore, it is highly possible that the Sima clan’s daughter will be sent to Bing County.”
Yiyan’s expression suddenly turned cold.
Duan Qin sighed lightly, “General should also know that the emperor has been wary of our lord for a long time, not just for a day or two. Moreover, marrying the clan’s daughter to our lord is a great reward; how can it be refused?”
“Why can’t we?!” Those gray-blue eyes had already ignited with anger. “The emperor has fled to Shou City. Apart from the lord in the northern territories, who else can suppress the Xiongnu? Even if we reject the marriage, what harm is there? Must everyone let the Sima clan make choices for them?”
“He is still the emperor.” Duan Qin remained composed. “If we rashly refuse the marriage, not only will it be irreparable damage to our relationship with the court, but it will also raise suspicions among the influential families in the northern territories. Now, our lord has finally invited scholars like Chi Jian, who are not willing to flee south, and they are converging towards Bing County and Ji County. These are the truly courageous and talented individuals of the time, the foundation for stabilizing the north and securing our foundation. If we disregard the emperor at this moment, what will they think? How will the prominent families in Si County and Ji County, those who have not yet fled, plan? Pulling one hair moves the whole body. If the hearts of the people in Bing County are not stable, we will fall into the trap of the Xiongnu Han!”
Yiyan didn’t expect that it would involve so many complications. It was intricate and couldn’t be resolved solely with a bow and horse. However, soon he realized, “Registrar Duan, do you have a solution in mind?”
Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been invited to the Duan residence!
Duan Qin smiled faintly, “Exactly. This strategy is not difficult to decipher. Now that the emperor is in Shou City, any imperial edict to reach Jinyang would take ten days or more. If the imperial decree hasn’t arrived, can’t our lord remarry? Even the supreme ruler cannot command our lord to change his marriage to the Sima clan’s daughter!”
It was the simplest method, yet Yiyan stood frozen in place, as if a bucket of icy water had been poured over him, sending chills down his spine.
Ignoring Yiyan’s reaction, Duan Qin continued, “Even without the emperor’s decree on the marriage, our lord should consider remarrying. Now that our lord is in good health and has been appointed as a regional duke, how can he be without an heir by his side? Whether it’s choosing a bride from a noble family or marrying a virtuous woman, having more offspring is an urgent matter. This is a significant issue related to the foundation; how can it be taken lightly? I invited General Yi here precisely to ask for his advice to persuade our lord to make a decision early.”
Yiyan stared into Duan Qin’s eyes, and after a long while, he spoke, “…Why ask me to persuade?”
“General Yi has been with our lord the longest, a beloved general in our lord’s heart. Apart from General Yi, who else shares such a bond?” Duan Qin’s answer was straightforward as if this were the only logical response.
However, Yiyan knew that the person in front of him had likely seen through his relationship with the lord and considered him the reason for the lord’s delayed marriage.
“Is that so?”
Duan Qin didn’t give Yiyan more time for contemplation. “General Yi, the marriage of kings and nobles is a matter of great importance to the family and the state. You, coming from the Liang residence, should know how much effort our lord has put in, starting from a mere marquis to reach this stage! Now that the foundation is just laid, it’s the opportune moment to rise. I hope General Yi can persuade our lord to marry early, not in vain after years of hard work!”
As he spoke, he gracefully folded his sleeves and bowed deeply. It was a complete and sincere gesture, clearly demonstrating Duan Qin’s seriousness.
Watching the figure prostrated on the ground, Yiyan clenched his fists tightly.
Two quarters later.
“Why did General Yi leave in such a hurry? Didn’t you even keep him for a meal?” Madam Duan entered the main hall and, seeing that the guest had already left, couldn’t help but ask in surprise.
Duan Qin gently exhaled, “General Yi has other pressing matters; another day, perhaps.”
After Yiyan’s departure, Duan Qin remained seated, unmoving. Today’s invitation was, in fact, a probing one. Unexpectedly, with just this probe, he unraveled a situation he absolutely did not want to confront.
It turned out that Yiyan truly harbored affection for the lord!
Since the incident during the Cold Food Powder, he had sensed a subtle atmosphere between the two. However, the lord’s character was genuinely upright and pure. Given his appearance, demeanor, and the current social norms, if he were truly inclined towards men, the inner chambers would have been restless long ago. Yet, the lord had never shown the slightest interest in either men or women.
But who could have imagined that Yiyan, this eunuch, had caught the lord’s eye?
When did it start between them? How far had it progressed? Duan Qin truly couldn’t figure it out. However, since Yiyan was injured and moved into the provincial governor’s residence, changes must have occurred. This matter couldn’t be overlooked! Considering Yiyan’s status and position, if things were mishandled, it could lead to trouble!
And this marriage matter was the perfect opportunity for a breakthrough. Regardless of Yiyan’s intentions, as long as he, being a man, couldn’t bear offspring for the lord, he should step aside and let the lord marry and form an alliance. Trivial personal matters couldn’t compare to the grand cause of building an empire.
Just now, Yiyan did not respond, but Duan Qin knew he was not foolish. As long as he thought it through, he would distinguish the priorities. In this world, how many could be like Yiyan, willing to sacrifice their lives for the lord, regardless of personal wealth and status?
Ah, he could only hope that the lord would make a decision soon and marry.
※
After leaving the Duan residence, Yiyan didn’t mount his horse. He walked briskly towards the provincial governor’s residence. As the night fell, the streets were already devoid of pedestrians. The chilling northern wind whistled through the gaps, making one shiver, but it couldn’t extinguish the anger burning in his heart.
Without lifting his head, Yiyan strode into the provincial governor’s residence. The courtyard where he resided had not yet lit up, and as he reached the center of the courtyard, he didn’t light a lamp either. He stood there for a long time. The hatred within him was like wild grass growing relentlessly, burning but never completely consumed.
The lord had told him firmly, putting a stop to it. Marrying and having children, for anyone, wasn’t it a matter of course? Especially for someone of the lord’s status! What he had already received was more than enough; he shouldn’t ask for more.
But who could extinguish that anger?
Abruptly turning around, Yiyan strode into the room and took out his bow and arrows. It was the three-stone bow he most frequently practiced with. Even for him, it took all his strength to pull and aim. And now, he needed something to drain away this pent-up anger and resentment!
A buzzing sound as the bowstring vibrated. In the dimming light, the arrow didn’t seem to know where it landed. Without looking at the wooden target, Yiyan continued to load arrows. One arrow, another arrow, muscles tensed and relaxed, strength surged, but the anger and resentment suppressed within him did not dissipate with each released arrow; instead, they accumulated like a rising tide.
He was unwilling! How could he be willing?
Both arms stretched to their maximum, and the jet-black bow creaked and suddenly snapped with a loud crack!
The three-stone hard bow, broken at both ends, rebounded, and the bowstring, like a serpent’s hiss, snapped toward his face. Yiyan dodged, but not completely. The broken string flicked against his forehead, causing a searing pain and splattering fresh blood.
However, Yiyan paid no attention to the wound, staring blankly at the ground.
There lay the remnants of a bow, the string severed, the bow irreparably destroyed.
As if depleted of strength, or perhaps penetrated to the bone by the cold wind, he began to tremble slightly.
Just then, a soldier entered the courtyard, “General, the lord…”
Before the words were complete, the trailing note got stuck in his throat. There was no need for fire in the courtyard. Those gray-blue eyes looked over, like the chilling stars shimmering in the night, piercingly cold, seemingly emitting an aura of death. Startled, the soldier took a step back, swallowing hard before managing to force out the rest of his sentence, “The… the lord requests your presence.”
Yiyan didn’t reply, just raised his hand and wiped away the blood on his face. He walked towards the main hall.
