Chapter Fifty: The Woman Whose Beauty Topples Kingdoms

Inside the gates of Xiangyang, the city doors were wide open. Citizens lined both sides of the main street, and students from the Imperial Academy, as well as young ladies and gentlemen from prominent families, had all gathered to witness the spectacle.

Thanks to Sun Jian’s benevolent and virtuous rule, the people of Jingzhou now lived in peace and contentment. Their lives were ordinary—neither opulent nor impoverished—but none suffered the pangs of cold or hunger. The hearts of the people had long turned toward Sun Jian; for both commoners and the gentry, the abolition of corvée labor and the easing of taxes were blessings of the highest order.

In recent years, successive victories in battle had brought joy not only to the Chancellor but to the people as well, for as the borders expanded, the populace gradually found themselves further removed from the dangers of war.

“What’s causing all this excitement?” someone asked.

“I heard that the Chancellor's son—now the General of Cavalry—has returned in triumph after defeating Yan Baihu. The Chancellor is buying wine and meat throughout the city to reward the soldiers,” came the reply.

“That Yan Baihu only declared himself king the year before last—he’s already been defeated this year?”

“Indeed! With the present Chancellor’s assistance, the Han dynasty is sure to return to its former glory!”

“A tiger father breeds no dog sons. The Chancellor himself was a famed general; who would have thought his son would match his prowess?”

“The Emperor arrives!”

Liu Xie sat upon the imperial carriage, crowned in ceremonial headgear. He was already seven feet tall, wore the imperial sword at his waist, and bore the heroic air of an emperor between his brows. Yet Sun Jian sat beside him. Many students and venerable ministers of the Han, upon witnessing this, wore strange expressions but dared not speak openly.

“We humble subjects and common folk pay our respects to Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor!”

“All of you, rise,” Liu Xie declared with vigor.

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

In the crowd stood a plainly dressed middle-aged man, whose misfortune was evident in his crippled leg. Beside him was a young lady in a pale blue dress, her willow brows and almond eyes radiating both bashful charm and anxious anticipation as she stood on tiptoe, searching for someone in the throng.

Jiang Hao looked up at Liu Xie upon the imperial seat, a respectful awe in his heart. “So that is the Son of Heaven? How imposing he is!”

“Why hasn’t Young Master returned yet?” the girl fretted.

“Don’t worry, Tao’er,” Jiang Hao said with a kindly smile, the wrinkles gathering on his face. “Changsu is gentle by nature, courteous to all, but he would never make a promise lightly unless he truly valued someone.”

“Uncle...” Tao’er blushed, shyly rebuking him, though her heart was sweet with happiness.

---

“A fine rain moistens the heavenly street, the grass is visible only when near.”

“Of all the year’s delights, none surpasses the spring, far outshining the willows misting the imperial capital.”

“In terms of literary talent and strategy, Brother Changsu, you are truly rare in our time—who could rival you?” Zhou Yu said from within the carriage.

Jiang Wen replied modestly, “The work of letters is a great enterprise, a pursuit of immortality. But compared with the grand scholars, I dare not claim much.”

Zhou Yu laughed. “You say that, yet this poem of yours is not meant to please the mundane world but paints a vivid picture of spring. Besides, you have already compared yourself to the scholars—really, Changsu, you are too modest!”

“Can we stop talking in such high-flown language? My head hurts just listening to it!” Sun Ce, familiar with a few military treatises and poems, found it far too taxing—especially for Lu Meng, who was utterly lost.

The others smiled in silence. Jiang Wen turned to Zhou Yu and the group behind him. “Why isn’t Lady Yueyao accompanying you, Gongjin?”

Zhou Yu replied with a touch of roguish charm, “She bears my token and I’ve instructed her to visit my mother in Xiangyang ahead of me. How could such a fine lady be left waiting?”

Lu Meng laughed heartily. “I just wonder whose house we should visit first upon returning?”

“My home is humble, with no treasures to offer,” Jiang Wen replied. “Since I have no gifts to present, I’ll host the first banquet. Once the gifts arrive, you all can return the favor.”

“Changsu, your shamelessness knows no bounds!” Sun Ce sighed.

“We’re here!”

As Jiang Wen and his companions gazed upon the city of Xiangyang, their hearts rippled with emotion. After a year of campaigning, not one of them did not long for family and the familiar land of their birth. The army’s desire to return home was palpable.

“We pay our respects to Your Majesty and to the Chancellor!”

“My son has returned! Quickly, rise, all of you!” Sun Jian and Emperor Liu Xie descended together from the imperial carriage, Sun Jian lifting Sun Ce with fatherly affection.

Liu Xie, standing to the side, watched them—he, the emperor, ostensibly above all—while Han officials looked on in silence. The students nearby soon began to whisper, though none dared speak too loudly.

“Young Master!” Tao’er called out joyfully, her cheeks flushed with excitement as she waved at Jiang Wen from afar, though he could not hear her.

Jiang Hao smiled, sighing. “Silly girl, let’s go home. Once the Emperor’s rewards are bestowed, Changsu will return to the manor.”

---

In the court at Xiangyang, Sun Jian beamed at the assembled generals. “My son’s campaign to Jiangdong has yielded such a host of tiger generals. Your merits will be handsomely rewarded!”

“Where is the Military Advisor and Libationer?”

Jiang Wen stepped forward and bowed. “I am here.”

Sun Jian said, “This victory is thanks to your counsel, Libationer. The army triumphed again and again. I hear you have only one wife at home—is that so?”

Jiang Wen considered briefly. “I am betrothed to one lady, but we are not yet married.”

Sun Jian laughed and nodded. “Excellent! At your age, it is time to prosper your family. Years ago, when I campaigned against Dong Zhuo, I took in a girl who has grown up at the postal relay. Her name is Diao Chan, famed for her beauty—Lu Bu himself was besotted with her. Would you accept her as your concubine?”

Sun Ce and Lu Meng exchanged discreet shakes of the head, each a little envious. Diao Chan’s beauty was legendary—even they could not help but be captivated. Who does not love a beauty?

Zhou Yu and the strategists in court recognized the deeper implications but, since it did not concern them directly, remained aloof.

“Chancellor, though I have spent little time with my betrothed and our relationship is ordinary, we know each other’s hearts. I wish only to honor my promise to her. I appreciate your generosity, but I must decline,” Jiang Wen replied.

Sun Jian’s smile did not fade, though none could guess his thoughts. “You are still young, Libationer. How can you say you lack the heart? Or do you find my reward unsatisfactory?”

“I would never dare think so!” Jiang Wen protested.

“Then what is your meaning?” Sun Jian rose, looking down from the dais. “I do not wish my favor to become a source of blame. I’ll ask you once more: will you accept?”

“Minister... thanks the Chancellor for his generosity,” Jiang Wen finally acquiesced.

Sun Jian nodded in satisfaction and continued, “Of late, there has been much subversive talk at court. To protect you all from harmful rumors, I am establishing an Inspectorate to oversee officials and prevent the spread of gossip. Libationer, will you take this post?”

“I accept and thank the Chancellor for his trust!”