Chapter Twenty-Eight: The Zhou Family of Yixing (3)

After the Zhou family’s steward finished reciting the list of gifts, he withdrew. Yang Qi smiled faintly and offered a slight bow. “Brother Zhou, such generous gifts—how could I possibly accept them?”

From addressing him as “Master Zhou” at first to now calling him “Brother Zhou,” and referring to himself not as “this official” but as “Yang,” Yang Qi’s subtle shift in demeanor was plain to see.

Zhou An understood perfectly but still responded with utmost respect, “Your Excellency has labored tirelessly to defend the South. Only with your guidance have the soldiers and civilians of these lands secured peace and prosperity in every province and county. The Zhou clan’s humble offering is, in truth, merely a token on behalf of the people of Jiangnan. Please, Your Excellency, accept it with a smile.”

His words were elegant, striking right to Yang Qi’s heart, leaving him thoroughly pleased. Yang Qi had always seen himself as the savior of Jiangnan, claiming the credit for its relative peace and growing ever more ambitious. Naturally, he delighted in such praise.

Stroking his beard, Yang Qi smiled. “An the Traitor has plunged the realm into chaos. By imperial decree, I was appointed to oversee Jiangnan, to supervise its civil and military affairs and defend its soil. How could I do less than give my all—to comfort the people, to repay the court? Since Brother Zhou is so courteous, it would be discourteous of me to refuse.”

With a wave, Yang Qi signaled his steward, Yang Kuan, to take the gift list and arrange the handover of presents with the Zhou family. The sheer scale and costliness of the offerings were staggering—several large carts were needed, along with camels, oxen, and horses. Yang Kuan would be busy for quite some time.

Seeing Yang Qi accept the gifts, Zhou An felt a surge of excitement. The Zhou clan of Yixing had, after long deliberation, chosen Yang Qi as their great wager, pinning the rise and fall of their entire house upon him—not just for his current power, but for his brilliant future as well.

There is no such thing as a free lunch. Yang Qi understood perfectly that the Zhou clan’s lavish generosity was about more than just a gesture of allegiance; they clearly had ambitions of their own.

He smiled lightly, then changed the subject. “The Zhou clan of Yixing is a renowned family in the South. Since Brother Zhou has come to Jiangning, tomorrow I shall host a banquet in your honor, and introduce you to the officials, scholars, and gentry of the region.”

Zhou An immediately stood and bowed deeply. “Your Excellency is too gracious—my heart trembles with gratitude and shame. I do not dare trouble you; please, Your Excellency, retract your command!”

Yang Qi let out a soft “Oh?” “You’ve come all this way, and if I don’t even offer a meal, wouldn’t that be unthinkably rude?”

Of course, Yang Qi was only making a show of courtesy—he had no real intention of personally hosting a banquet for Zhou An. After all, Zhou An was merely the second-generation head of a local clan, not worthy of such an honor. But, out of respect for the lavish gifts, Yang Qi feigned warmth.

Zhou An, seeing Yang Qi’s gesture of politeness, seized the opportunity. After all, the Zhou clan’s gift was not only meant for long-term advantage but also with immediate gains in mind; if nothing came of it, the family would have suffered a loss.

Taking up Yang Qi’s polite words, he bowed respectfully. “Your Excellency, my son Zhou Chang has studied with diligence these ten years, and has some learning. He longs to serve the court, but has found no path to advancement. I beg Your Excellency to recommend him; I would be eternally grateful.”

In these troubled times, with the imperial examinations in disarray, only the recommendation of the powerful could offer young scholars a chance. Zhou An’s request was perfectly reasonable.

Having accepted the Zhou family’s gifts, Yang Qi could hardly refuse outright. He laughed loudly. “Zhou Chang’s reputation is well known among the young scholars of Jiangning—I have heard of him myself. Very well. Next month, I shall submit a memorial to the court recommending him for office. As for what post he may receive, that will depend on his fortune.”

Zhou An was overjoyed. “Thank you, Your Excellency! The Zhou clan of Yixing will never forget your kindness.”

His eyes gleamed with calculation. Sensing the cordial atmosphere, he pressed his advantage. “Furthermore, my son Zhou Chang admires your esteemed daughter’s beauty and virtues. Day and night she is in his thoughts. I dare, on my son’s behalf, to beg Your Excellency’s consent for a marriage alliance!”

“Hm?” Yang Qi’s expression darkened. He thought, “This fellow is really pushing his luck.”

Noticing Yang Qi’s displeasure, Zhou An kept his composure and continued, “For the Zhou clan of Yixing to seek alliance with your house is a matter of awe and trepidation. If Your Excellency consents, our family is prepared to offer half our fortune as bride price, to support you in raising horses, drilling troops, and safeguarding the land.”

Yang Qi was stunned. His gaze, sharp as a blade, fixed on Zhou An’s respectful and sincere face.

The Zhou clan of Yixing—backed by centuries of heritage, decades of commerce, and vast accumulated wealth—was arguably the richest family in Jiangnan. Just how great a sum was half their fortune? Truly astronomical.

Zhou An seemed cowed by Yang Qi’s authority, bowing his head, though inwardly he was calm as ever. The Zhou elders had observed Yang Qi for some time and knew well his ambition—he dreamed of carving out his own kingdom in the chaos. Ambition on that scale could not be realized without ample financial support; even if Yang Qi failed to become a regional warlord, he would still need powerful backing to rise at court.

Whatever happened, Zhou An was certain Yang Qi could hardly resist the lure of the Zhou clan’s allegiance and wealth. The family’s decision had been made after the most careful consideration, based on their reading of the times and their confidence in Yang Qi’s prospects.

In truth, with An Lushan’s rebel armies ravaging the heartland and the empire in turmoil, the lords of the provinces were restless. If the court could not quell the rebellion within half a year, others would surely follow An’s example and raise their own banners. In such a time, for Jiangnan to become an independent realm would be only natural.

The Zhou clan had its own ambitions, but could only realize them by relying on a man of substance like Yang Qi. It was a colossal gamble, but one they were willing to take.

Yang Qi’s gaze flickered and his face clouded, but soon he recovered his composure. With the Zhou clan’s inexhaustible support, his great plans might yet come to fruition. Even if he never ruled independently, he meant to hold Jiangnan firmly in his grasp—and could not do so without the Zhou family’s resources.

Yet Yang Qi did not immediately agree to the marriage proposal. For one, he was still undecided—after all, Kong Sheng also held a place in his schemes. For another, it was a matter of strategy: even if he intended to accept, he would not commit so easily, lest he become beholden to the Zhou clan. Marriages between high officials and merchant families had far-reaching consequences; Yang Qi had to weigh his options carefully.

There was another reason for caution. The Zhou clan’s sudden offer set him on guard. He had to consider their true motives, and until he reached his final decision, such tests and “temptations” only made him wary.

“As for my daughter’s marriage, I must first ask her opinion. If she does not object to a union with Zhou Chang, I would have no objection myself,” Yang Qi replied coolly.

Zhou An’s expression did not change. He bowed deeply. “Thank you, Your Excellency! In that case, I shall take my leave.”

Though Yang Qi had not agreed, neither had he refused outright—he left room for negotiation. Zhou An knew this matter could not be rushed; it would require patience and careful approach.

So long as Yang Qi harbored ambition, he could not do without the Zhou clan. Of this, Zhou An was convinced.