Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Luo Xiang controlled the Three Northern Prefectures as his own territory. He had once been ennobled by the imperial court as Marquis of Xiangyang, and people called him Marquis Luo.

In recent years, his power had risen like the sun at noon. He already seemed to hold half the realm in his grasp.

He had two grown sons.

His eldest, Luo Ting, was fierce and skilled in battle, and commanded his elite cavalry.

His second son, Luo Ji, excelled at strategy and was in charge of domestic affairs, money, and grain.

Both were outstanding men among their peers.

I swiftly turned it over in my mind, then lifted my eyes. “The one proposing marriage is Luo Xiang himself.”

Father’s brow shifted slightly. “Oh? What makes you say that?”

“For Marquis Luo to have come this far, he lacks neither soldiers and horses nor money and grain. What he lacks is influence.”

“Father is a pillar of the upright scholar-official faction, with students and old acquaintances throughout the court and the provinces. If I were to marry his son, that influence would be added to his son’s name.”

“Luo Xiang is ambitious. How could he willingly make another man’s wedding clothes for his own son? Only if he marries me himself will that influence fall wholly and completely upon him.”

Father nodded. “In the letter, he says he is willing to offer eight cities as a betrothal gift to marry you into his household.”

“If you marry him, then in terms of power, your chances would be the greatest.”

I smiled. “But he is already over fifty, old enough to be my grandfather. And he is suspicious by nature. He cannot even tolerate his own sons, let alone an outsider.”

Father said, “Correct. The Yin Clan’s hundred-year reputation must never be entrusted to such a cold, mistrustful man. That is the first reason.”

I continued, “Besides, he is not the only one who has come to propose marriage. That is the second.”

“Oh? Tell me.”

I removed the gilt invitation on top.

On the second letter, a galloping steed was stamped in the center.

“If your daughter has guessed correctly, the second is from the King of Han, who has declared autonomy with his troops.”

Father took a sip of tea. “Yes. Han Yan sent a secret letter. If we can form a marriage alliance, he is willing to present his ledgers of troops, horses, and grain, and divide the land with the Yin Clan.”

I gave no comment and drew out the third invitation.

“The third man is Zhou Sui, who controls the lifeblood of salt and iron in the southeast.”

Father stroked his beard. “He promises thirty percent of the profits from salt and iron, ensuring the Yin Clan wealth beyond all others beneath heaven.”

Father placed the three invitations before me one by one and asked, “Ah Fei, tell me-why does the Wei River rush on day and night?”

“To enter the sea.”

“And if a tall mountain blocks the way ahead?”

“It goes around.”

“And if there is no path around it?”

I fell silent.

Father picked up his teacup. Steam blurred his brows and eyes.

“The Yin Clan now is that water. Ahead stand three mountains. Luo Xiang wants influence. Han Yan wants an alliance. Zhou Yan wants reputation. Any one of them could force this river to change its course.”

“Tell me. What should the water do?”

I thought for a moment. “Wait. Wait for clouds to gather into rain, and for rain to fall into a flood. When the floodwaters rise to the heavens, even mountains must give way.”

“And if the heavens are dry for three years?”

I said, “Then we cannot wait. Someone must split the mountain open by hand.”

When I came out of Father’s study, Lan-di was already waiting beneath the corridor.

Seeing me emerge, he bowed properly. “Eldest Sister.”

I stopped. “Lan-di, have you finished your lessons for today?”

He held a completed essay in his hands. “Yes. I was just about to ask Father to annotate it.”

“Eldest Sister… is something troubling you?”

I did not hide it from him. “There are certain matters. They concern the family, and they concern your sister as well.”

Lan-di nodded and did not press for details.

“Although I am young and my abilities are dull, I know the burden on Eldest Sister’s shoulders is heavy.”

“Father often says Eldest Sister is someone capable of shouldering great matters. Ah Lan is dull and cannot help much, but whatever choice Eldest Sister makes, Ah Lan will surely follow close behind you.”

Warmth stirred in my heart. I bent down and straightened his collar for him.

“Lan-di is very good. Eldest Sister will remember that.”